THE latest phase of a park revamp has received more than £40,000 of Lottery funding.

Work is due to start next month on the creation of a nature area at Addison Park, off Browney Lodge, Meadowfield, near Durham City.

The work, which will take about two months to complete, and will include wildlife areas, paths, boulders, interpretation panels and art features and seating designed by an artist with local people.

The Friends of Addison Park has been awarded £40,409 through the Community Spaces programme and is working with Groundwork North East and Durham County Council to consult local people and schools in the area.

The park, which was originally part of Humblesledge Farm, was created by surface workers at the nearby C Pit in the 1930s and was given to the community.

In recent years it has suffered from vandalism - there have been damage attacks on the bowling pavilion - and anti-social behaviour and it has become rundown. But the Friends are working to restore it to its former glory and have already replaced perimeter fencing and revamped the bowling green.

The group’s future plans included replacing children’s play equipment.

Friends chairman John Muirhead said: "We’re delighted that our hard work is starting to pay off.

"The regeneration of the park will ensure local people can be actively involved in improving their local community and it will give them a sense of pride in their environment."

Lynne Miller, of Groundwork North East, said: "It is quite a big park between Meadowfield and Langley Moor and there is quite a big population that will benefit from the improvements that will be made.

"Local schools have expressed an interest in using the nature area as part of their curriculum".

Anyone who is interested in getting involved is welcome when the Friends of Addison Park meet on the second Thursday of the month in Harry Carr House, Meadowfield, at 6.30pm.