TODDLERS are looking forward to a new play area in one of a series of parks.

An application to build a lottery-funded area along the Denes, near Woodland Road, Darlington, will be discussed by councillors next Wednesday.

The plans are for a play area aimed at children under the age of five in the Tennis Dene.

Darlington Borough Council secured funding from the Big Lottery fund for the play area following consultations with residents.

A summary of the plans said: "It was identified that there was a need for play equipment in Tennis Court Dene as it was a long walk for this part of the town to travel to and visit the play equipment in the Play Dene."

The play park would be surrounded by a one-metre high fence.

One resident has objected to the application because he feared it would attract attention from teenagers during the night.

He said he had had ten front windows and one rear window broken by youths throwing stones.

Officers have recommended that the councils planning committee approved the plans when it meets on Wednesday, January 13, at 1.30pm in the town hall, adding that the plans raise no issues on crime prevention.