MIDDLETON St George faces a problem many other villages close to urban areas encounter - rapidly growing populations but poor local facilities.

Situated almost equidistant between Darlington and Stockton and very handy for the A66, Middleton has seen some major housing developments in recent years. And developers are keen to build more new homes should they get the opportunity.

A key concern for villagers is play space for the young families moving there.

One developer, Miller Homes, has brought a sharp focus to the debate in recent weeks by suggesting that if the village is prepared to give up a playing field for housing, it will give the village another parcel of land it has the option to buy near the village's water park, the site of existing and frankly poor community facilities.

There has also been the suggestion that the developer will throw in a considerable cash "sweetener" to oil the wheels of the deal.

It appears to be a simple trade-off. Thirty or more new homes in exchange for the opportunity to build an improved community centre with play area and football pitch.

The issue will be debated on Monday night at a public meeting and already those opposing any such deal are organising their forces.

It is a difficult decision, especially when what is at stake is a piece of open land played upon by generations. But villagers need to put their emotional responses to one side and examine the potential deal on offer, mindful of the fact that the pressure for more homes will not necessarily go away if they turn it down. The developers' offer certainly will.