PEOPLE are being urged to help support efforts to protect a Hartlepool nature reserve and clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Countryside wardens working for Hartlepool Borough Council are keen to set up a friends group to look after the Hart to Haswell Walkway.

The walkway, once a busy railway, is one of the town's most important local nature reserves (LNRs) and is home to many species of wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife.

Joe Davies, the council's local nature reserves officer, said: "This is a beautiful spot and one that is enjoyed by thousands of people every year.

"However, in recent weeks we have noticed an upsurge in vandalism and other anti-social behaviour, and we want to ensure the irresponsible actions of a minority of people don't spoil the enjoyment of the majority.

"We know there are a number of residents who already take an active interest in the walkway and we want to harness that interest by setting up a formal Friends of the Hart to Haswell Walkway group.

"We cannot be on site all of the time and members could act as our eyes and ears, while also getting involved in the longer-term management of the area."

Recent incidents on the walkway include a fence being damaged by fire, an entrance gate being lifted off its hinges and a sign being knocked off its post.

Dog fouling and graffiti is also a constant problem.

Mr Davies said: "A friends group was recently set up to help look after the Spion Kop cemetery on the Headland, an area that is set to become the town's sixth LNR and it is working very well.

"We hope this could be a model for a similar group based on the walkway.

"I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming part of such a group."

Mr Davies said if there was enough interest then a more formal meeting could be organised to discuss the best way to proceed.

He can be contacted on (01429) 853325.