DARLINGTON'S football field crisis eased again yesterday when Lingfield Point confirmed it would allow teams to play on its two pitches.

The business park made its pitches unavailable in May. It said construction work endangered players' safety, and cited vandalism, often from visiting teams.

Albion Boys Junior Football Club had played there, and had to disband teams after the decision.

But now, after pressure from local leagues, Lingfield Point will allow senior teams on the pitches.

The £1,000 annual maintenance bill will be met by Darlington Borough Council, which will cut and mark the overgrown pitches soon.

The two changing huts, which already have new wooden benches and pegs, will be reopened.

The council also announced a new centralised booking system yesterday, meaning all senior teams can phone one number to book a public pitch.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "We have been listening closely to the concerns raised by the football fraternity."

Yesterday's news was the second step forward since The Northern Echo highlighted the town's lack of maintained pitches in July.

Last month, the council promised to renovate the Glebe Road field, which had been left to overgrow.

Martin Landers, who met senior Lingfield Point management to persuade them to reopen the pitches, said: "I'm so chuffed. When we talked about the £1,000, the whole day I was worrying - could we pay the money? I lost sleep.

"Luckily, the council has come good - and what a relief.

"They have been brilliant, and it's not often I've been able to say that.

"They have been slow to catch up, but this is a brilliant step.

"It's great to have good news about football in the town."

Marchday, owners of Lingfield Point, hope to transform the former Rothman's site into an eco-village, with low energy homes and offices.

Eddie Humphreys, estates manager, said the village will also have sports facilities.

"We are part of a commercial company, but there are sports and community facilities in our future vision," he said.

"They may not be in the same position, but they will be there."

Coun Wallis added: "These latest developments show that good progress is being made."

"But there is still work to do, and we will continue to consult on how to press ahead with these important matters."

The number for senior teams to book pitches is 01325-243177,