PEOPLE in Darlington are being encouraged to have their say about rural rights of way.

A borough council survey has been launched to evaluate the present state of the network, and identify improvements.

All local authorities are required to carry out such surveys by 2007, to allow rural path networks to be included in local transport plans.

The work includes taking stock of the state of stiles and gates, as well as considering accessibility.

Countryside rights of way officer Rob George said the Darlington borough had 320km of rights of way to maintain.

"We are trying to prove the worth of the network, but we need to gauge how many people want to use it. It seems the present network doesn't provide the kind of recreation the population wants."

A draft report on the results of the survey will be drawn up by the end of March.