CAMPAINGERS are hoping to persuade councillors to change their plans for a town centre revamp and protect a duck pond in its heart.

Middlesbrough Council has developed plans to redevelop the Centre Square area to create new office space and relocate the pond.

But members of Middlesbrough and Redcar Friends of the Earth have joined forces with local activists to lobby for the duck pond to be kept in its current location.

Rob Tucker, of the group, said: "The council say that they carried out consultation but I don't believe that the public were really consulted about the future of the duck pond.

"We are only asking for them to leave the pond where it is – there is no need for all of this extra office space or parking as there is already plenty of empty office space in the town centre.

"Whenever the weather is nice you will always find people seating at the pond and feeding the ducks."

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “The business case for the development of Grade A office accommodation to the east of Centre Square is compelling, and has clear potential to attract jobs and prosperity to the town centre.

“These plans have also been the subject of extensive consultation and the scrutiny of the planning process and we are committed to working with the developers to deliver the sort of offices that modern businesses demand.

“The existing pond will be removed as part of these proposals, but a new water feature will be included within the development.”

Earlier this year the council approved plans for Grade A office accommodation, enhanced public realm and landscaping with additional food and beverage outlets.

The local authority believes that the multi-million pound redevelopment scheme will help bring more than 1,500 jobs to the town centre.