A parks and play areas overhaul which a Labour-run council says puts quality over quantity will be debated after opponents criticised the move as "baffling". Stockton Council says it cannot afford to refurbish or upgrade all its play areas.

So leaders have decided to reduce the number of play areas, keeping 32 and spending another £150,000 a year on them, and gradually closing 11 play areas, not replacing equipment at the end of its lifespan in a "phased decommissioning and repurposing" that could take 10 years.

The Labour-led council says this will result in a "decreased play estate, but one that is sustainable, whilst ensuring a fair distribution and the very highest of standards expected by residents". However the Conservative group has challenged the decision made by the council

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