A COUNCIL is seeking to allay fears about the effect a fireworks extravaganza will have on a Darlington park.

Sections of South Park were left badly churned up by heavy vehicles, which had to plough through mud during the recent rain-hit Darlington Dog Show.

More rain has turned it into a virtual quagmire and it is now undergoing repair.

In just two weeks' time the park will attract thousands of people to the annual fireworks display on November 4.

Local residents contacted The Northern Echo with their concerns.

Martin Bellamy, 39, who lives near the park, said: "The park was really damaged by the dog show and is still a mess.

"It needs time to return to its original state, but this fireworks display will just cause even more damage.

"If it continues to rain, the park will not be able to cope and I would go so far as saying it could a danger, especially if people are knee-high in mud."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said the authority recognises the problem and is doing its best to repair the parts of the park which have suffered most damage.

"We have workers on the site each day and are confident the park will be in a better state in time for the fireworks display," she said.