A GROUP set up to expand and develop play opportunities in Guisborough is to close, despite an appeal for another play area.

For the past four years, Guisborough Town Council has made the improvement of play provision in the town its top priority, with the help of Guisborough Play Development Forum.

Play areas have sprung up at the King George V playing field and Butt Lane, at a cost of £10,000 each.

There are plans for two more at new housing estates at the old Kemplah School and Church Lane.

Now the forum is to close despite a request for a play area in Dunston being put to the town council meeting on Thursday.

Tricia Goldring, from the forum, said: "We feel we have put in quite a lot of time and effort over the past four years and all wish to have time for other things now.

"Thanks to the money from Guisborough Town Council, play facilities in Guisborough have improved significantly."

But Dunsdale resident Maxine Shelley asked the council to consider the possibility of a play area in the village, which lies just outside the town. In a letter, she said: "The old playground at the Redcar end of the village is now a derelict area of broken, dangerous, weed-ridden ground with not a swing or slide in sight.

"We all pay our precept to the town council and we feel our tiny community has been forgotten. We hope the balance can be redressed to the encouragement and benefit of the next generation."

Councillor Anne Franklin handed in a petition from Dunsdale residents showing their support for the scheme. The council said it would consider the proposal.