Longhoughton Village Development Trust has been given £50,000 as part of the Play Build scheme to build a natural play area off Park Road in the village, next to the site where it plans to build a new community centre and football facility.

And now an extra £47,000 has been given to the trust to provide maintenance for the new facility.

The money was part of funds secured for the Eastmoor development in the village, and was set aside to be used for children's play equipment. But within the agreement the money could be used elsewhere in the village.

Members of Alnwick District Council's development control committee approved the use of the money for the Park Road play plan at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Sarah Gray, vice-chairman of the trust, said at the meeting: "This will very much be part of the focus of the village, therefore we feel that it is of central importance that we get it right and we don't build it unsustainably."

The trust asked the council about the funds in the summer and a consultation was carried out in the village to find out whether residents wanted a park at the Eastmoor development or off Park Road.

At the first consultation there was a majority of one for the Park Road site.

After a second approach, residents voted 52 per cent in favour of it.

Coun John Taylor, ward member for Hedgeley, said: "It is a very contentious issue. The feeling among some of the parents in the Eastmoor area is that they should have a play facility there for their children and that is reflected in the vote."

The play garden will be used to promote natural play, with the use of dens, hills, messy areas and other activities.

Councillors were concerned about the maintenance of the play area. However Peter Biggers, head of planning and building control, said: "The £47,000 does include for provision and subsequent maintenance."

The Play Build scheme is funded by £1m received by Northumberland County Council from the Department of Children, Family and Schools.