WORK could start next summer on improvements to a town centre park, according to council officials.

Work on South Park has been put on hold while Darlington Borough Council awaits the results of a bid for National Lottery money.

If the cash is awarded to the council, it will be used to upgrade and refurbish parts of the park which have deteriorated in recent months.

Regular visitors to the park have complained that vandalism has left it without basic facilities, such as play equipment and benches.

The wall around the sand pit has collapsed in places and there is graffiti in some areas.

Although the council has ensured that the park is safe and maintained, improvements will not be made until the decision on lottery cash is made.