USERS and owners of open access land in County Durham are to be asked for their views on how it should be managed.

The new right comes into effect in the North Pennines from May 2005.

Durham County Council is now putting together a strategy to manage the new right, which will include details of signs and information required. It will also look at where any new gates or access onto land should be placed and where car parking is appropriate.

Cabinet member for environment and chairman of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, Councillor Bob Pendlebury, said: "The workshops are an opportunity for the public and landowners to view the intended locations of structures and signs needed to ensure that open access is properly managed and promoted.

"The county council is committed to ensuring that action is taken to encourage access without causing additional problems for landowners."

Landowners and managers can find out more about the plan at workshops in Norman Richardson House, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on October 4, from 1pm to 7pm, and at the Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope, on October 14, from 1pm to 7pm.

Workshops for members of the public will be held at Norman Richardson House, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on October 5, from 1pm to 7pm, and at the Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope, on October 15, also from 1pm to 7pm.

Anyone wanting further details or to book at place at the workshops is asked to contact 0191-383 3114.