PLANS for a Darlington nature reserve have had to be revised amid fears of birds colliding with aeroplanes.

Community leaders on Firthmoor were expecting to get approval for the reserve, which will feature two large fishing lakes plus smaller ponds, from Darlington Borough Council later this month.

But they were told that Teesside International Airport planned to object to their application because of concerns about "bird strikes".

Members of the project team are putting together a strategy to reduce the likelihood of large birds, such as geese, nesting at the site.

Project chairman Ian Thompson said: "Apparently 2,000ft above the lakes is the airport's flight corridor.

"The airport suggested we put together the strategy, which we are happy to do. Fishermen don't really like birds around anyway."

Project secretary Dave Preston said: "The airport has been fine. I'm sure they don't want to stop a project which is there to help one of the most deprived estates in the country."

The presence of the great crested newt, a protected species, on the site means the two lakes must be dug by the end of next month so as not to disturb its hibernation.

But the airport issue is not the only problem likely to delay progress.

Durham County Council has asked that an archaeological survey be carried out on the site before work begins.

Excavation will start on Monday for three weeks.

Mr Thompson said: "The time schedule is now getting quite tight so it will probably mean that only one lake is dug before the end of the year.

"But if it doesn't get done this year we will apply next year."

The nature reserve is aimed at giving estate residents somewhere to fish and enjoy wildlife.

A Get Hooked on Fishing scheme, similar to one on Wearside, will be launched and children will film work on the site for a video documentary.

A spokesman for Teesside Airport said: "There is a concern that the water could attract birds to the area, which is very close to the airport.

"We made various recommendations which the organisers have taken on board. As a result we don't see any problem with the project progressing.