Plans to relocate a play park has left some Aycliffe residents fuming when their choice was rejected in a public vote.

Their preferred choice proved to be the less popular and will now be built in an less appealing area of the recreation ground.

The park, which was at the end of St David’s Avenue, was demolished by the district council earlier this year because the equipment was too old and posed a threat to children’s safety.

Aycliffe residents attended community meetings with the hope of getting the council to construct a new one in a location of their choice.

Deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Sue Chandler, said that Sunny Corner and the far end of the recreation ground were the two most popular options.

When voting took place it was always thought Sunny Corner would the winner, but when the votes were counted last week, Sunny Corner received 22 and the recreation ground, which has been described as derelict, won with 55.

Town councillor Chris Precious, of St David’s Avenue, said: “What the council call the recreation ground has always been the DDC preferred option. It is secluded and, despite what the council implied, as a permanent structure will still legally require planning permission, which will also have to come from DDC.

“They now need to be asked if it will be fenced securely to avoid the uses already made of the Pencester playground, including drinking, drug dealing and taking and who will clean the site on a daily basis?”

The council said it would fund construction of a park in the recreation ground, whereas Sunny Corner would need to be paid for by a public appeal.

A council letter told residents the next steps of the project were to establish a particular location within the recreation ground.

A secondary consultation exercise would be arranged in November for the community to choose its preferred designs from three options and to suggest any changes they would like to see.