A recreation area is to be created from wasteland, despite the concern of residents that it could become a magnet for vandals and troublemakers.

Richmond Town Council has been working on a partnership with the district authority, which owns the overgrown area at Pike Purse.

On Wednesday night, the district council gave its blessing to a project which will see top soil laid, shrubs and trees planted as a buffer to homes closest to the site, and benches provided for residents to sit on and enjoy the new view.

However, not everyone has been enthusiastic about the scheme.

Councillor Grace Buckle told the meeting that some neighbours were worried that it would be a meeting place for troublemakers, particularly after dark.

However, she said: "I would hope local people will be willing to help police identify the culprits should there be a repeat of the sort of thing we have seen elsewhere in the town.

"We cannot fail to provide a new play area just because there is a chance it may be vandalised.''

The committee, which voted the project through, was told there was a possibility that play equipment could be installed at a later date if money become available, either from the council's coffers, of from donations.