PARENTS are being given the chance to help revamp an estate play area.

Two public meetings are to be held for residents in the Clavering area of Hartlepool to give their views on how their local playground should be refurbished.

Hartlepool Borough Council plans to create a new play area on the Clavering Road site to replace 20-year-old facilities including swings and climbing frames.

The initial proposals would create separate facilities for toddlers, five to seven year-olds and eight and 11-year-olds.

Council staff have already spoken to youngsters at Clavering Primary School to find out what they would like to see in the play area, and are they now widening the consultation process.

Chris Scaife, the council parks officer, said: "We'd like to create a new play area for youngsters which is exciting and stimulating, and which meets current safety standards.

"We hope that as many parents as possible, and anyone else who has an interest in the future of the play area, will come along to share their views."

The public meetings at Clavering Primary School are being held on Wednesday, October 11, between 3.15pm and 4.15pm, and on Tuesday, October 17, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

Comment leaflets are also available from the school, from St Mark's Community Centre, and from Gillen's supermarket, in Clavering Road.