COUNCIL land at the site of a former fire station should be made into an open space rather than built upon, according to a local councillor.

Darlington Borough Council is to consult with residents over the development of the former National Fire Service Station in Brook Terrace.

The station, which is in the Denes area of Darlington, was demolished last year after complaints of anti-social behaviour.

However, Conservative councillor Kate Davies who represents the Pierremont ward said the land should not be used to build houses.

Pierremont ward has the lowest amount of open space in Darlington - 0.91 hectares per 1,000 population.

Coun Davies said instead, the council should be looking at alternative uses for the site.

She said: "Pierremont ward has the lowest open green space in Darlington and to make it worse when you can make it better is not an option.

"This could be made into a fantastic community garden which all the people in the Denes could access.

"Although it doesn't have to be a community garden, it could be a memorial garden or allotments. This is what I want the council to find out.

"I would like to set up a group, perhaps with the help of Groundwork, and try and get some funding.

"I'm not looking for the council to pay for it all."

Coun Davies said her proposals also complies with the council's Open Spaces Strategy.

Councillor Stephen Harker, who also represents the ward and is the cabinet member for resources, said the key was striking a balance between recognising the history of the site and being sensible in terms of affordability.

He said: "I've been quite clear with the planning department that if it has to be developed, it has to be in keeping with the both the size, scale and style of what is existing there.

"I've been speaking to residents and something needs to be there that recognises the history of the site.

"Perhaps a balance can be struck so that we can get something that is bigger than a plaque, but not something that takes up the whole site."

A council spokesman said: "There will be consultation with residents with a planning and development brief.

"We will be responding in full to Councillor Davies' suggestions when we have looked over them fully."