FERRYHILL Town Council has given its approval for the development of children's play areas in the town to continue.

Executive officer Jamie Corrigan gave members of the council's recreation committee an update on the work at a meeting this week.

More than £30,000 worth of play equipment and fencing has been installed at the Mainsforth Sports Complex.

Benches and bins are planned for installation in the coming year, and additional funds for further items of play equipment will be applied for where possible.

All of the new play equipment has been installed at Surtees Community Park. Equipment already on the site has been moved to fit in with the new design of the park.

Land drainage and landscaping work has started, but cannot be completed until the weather conditions improve.

The council is hoping to win £50,000 from the Doorstep Greens Initiative, which would provide plants, fencing, art features, benches, bins, a teenage meeting area and footpaths.

More than £80,000 has been spent on developing the King George V playing field, including a basketball court, five-a-side pitches, closed-circuit television security cameras, benches, bins and fencing.

Phase one of the scheme is complete. Phase two, which will include the installation of street lighting and footpaths, safety surfacing and landscaping, will be developed over the next 12 to 18 months.