CHILDREN and a friends group who feared objectors could jeopardise their plan to breathe new life into a park will find out its fate this week.

Planning officers are recommending that an application to refurbish Green Park, in Darlington, is given the go-ahead despite concerns that it could attract anti-social behaviour.

The Friends of Green Park wants to upgrade the play equipment in the park, which borders Oakdene Avenue and Coniscliffe Road.

The modern play facilities would include a junior and toddler area and an adventure play area for older children. They would replace dilapidated equipment, four swings and a springy rocker.

The scheme would also provide new seating, improved paths and refurbished park entrances.

The friends group worked for two years to come up with the £120,000 blueprint. Darlington Borough Council and Groundwork Trust submitted the plans last month.

The final design was reached following several meetings, public events and help from children at Abbey Schools and Harewood Lodge.

Although most residents in the area support the application, opinion is divided.

Residents have submitted 65 letters of support to the council's planning team. Further endorsement has been given by a ward councillor, the friends group and St Augustine's RC Primary School.

However, four letters of opposition have also been written.

Those supporting the bid said the park had deteriorated over the years and the scheme was "long overdue".

Views from those against the application said the park was in a conservation area and should not be turned into an adventure playground. They were also worried it would attract anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and extra traffic.

Police have been consulted as part of the planning process and no issues were raised.

Council officers are recommending the plans are approved subject to five conditions.

A report which will be tabled before councillors next Wednesday says: "While the park has a history of attracting anti-social behaviour, there are other methods of dealing with the issue and it is considered that such behaviour could occur regardless of the new play areas and therefore the proposal should not be refused on such grounds."

The meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, March 10, in the town hall.