FIVE children’s play parks could be closed under plans being discussed by councillors next week.

Durham County Council is also proposing to transfer a further five recreation areas into town and parish council ownership.

Another15 parks have been identified as being priorities to be revamped by the authority.

The council’s cabinet is meeting at County Hall in Durham to debate the proposals on Wednesday.

Cllr Maria Plews, cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “Removal is always a last resort and we will always seek to find alternative solutions first. We will only remove play areas on grounds of safety and economic viability.”

The five sites for removal, which are described as being ‘in poor condition and beyond repair’, are: Clink Bank, Witton Gilbert; Dunelm Place, Shotton Colliery; Hillside View, Sherburn Village; Racecourse, Durham City and St Johns Road, High Pittington.

The five areas being transferred are: Broompark play area, David Terrace, Quarrington Hill; Finchale Avenue, Brasside; Station Road, Waterhouses and South Lea, Witton Gilbert.

Cllr Plews said: “We hope that five of the ten play areas which have reached the end of their operational life will be transferred and invested in and we will continue to devote officers to supporting communities while also making sure investment is targeted where there is greater need.”

Durham County Council is responsible for 176 of the 334 fixed play sites throughout the county, a report being presented to cabinet states.

It outlines how the council will provide play in the future by establishing a minimum standard, to make sure children have fair and equal access to equipment nearby.

The report proposes how it can be achieved by working with members, community groups as well as parish and town councils.

Cllr Plews said: “As a council we recognise the importance of play alongside the need for future provision in the county.

“This is underpinned by the fact that we are proposing to retain a number of sites which are beyond the minimum core offer while continuing to invest in and develop others, despite the budget pressures we are facing.

“We remain committed to providing opportunities for children and young people and ensuring that there will be a significant play offer in the future.”

The 15 sites below the minimum standard prioritised for development are: Blackhall Colliery and Rocks, Burnopfield, Castle Eden, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Crook, Easington Village, Ebchester, Flinthill, Perkinsville, Shildon, Stanley, Station Town, Wellfield and Wheatley Hill.