A PROJECT to improve a village's parkland and tackle anti-social behaviour is starting to take shape thanks to a grant secured by residents.

Sedgefield Community Association is starting to spend a £50,000 Big Lottery People's Millions grant on environmental work in the historic grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall.

A consultative group formed by members of interested parties, including the community association, local history and wildlife groups, is overseeing the scheme.

The community centre's 18th Century parkland is being transformed in an attempt to make it user-friendly and drive out anti-social behaviour.

Dense overgrown areas have been cleared of weeds and thick shrubs, which had become haunts for groups of underage drinkers.

Footpaths have been cleared and are to be resurfaced to make them easier to use all year round, particularly for elderly and disabled visitors and parents with prams or pushchairs.

Tenders for new lighting, which is likely to be a similar design to lights outside the village church, are to be completed in the next few weeks.

And Durham Wildlife Trust will carry out a wildlife survey which will include advice about work to be done to a pond at the bottom of the site where a dipping platform could be created.

Treasurer Dudley Waters said: "Just by clearing the thick weeds it is starting to feel much more open and look tidier.

"We want people to feel safe walking through the grounds and want to come and visit it. The neighbours are already saying there is less anti-social behaviour.

"Hopefully, most of the work will be completed by June ready for people to make the most of the grounds in summer."

The group secured the cash by winning a television poll in which it competed with Wansbeck District Council, which wanted to create a play park at Newbiggin by the Sea.

Community leaders have again extended their thanks to villagers and ex-patriots living as far away as Canada who supported Sedegfield's bid.

Mr Waters said: "Young and old people were so enthusiastic about the scheme and voted to win this money, now we want to spend it wisely for the benefit of the whole community."