PLANS have been drawn up to transform a neglected corner of a market town into a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.

A proposed facelift of a 3.85-acre site at Guisborough, east Cleveland, with its designation as a Local Nature Reserve, is to be unveiled this week.

"The reserve is an oasis in the town centre, largely left to its own devices and the quality of both the habitat and facilities has deteriorated," said Briony Serginson, countryside officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The area earmarked for improvement is bordered by the town's disused railway line - already used as a walkway - and Beckside Park.

Funding will come from English Nature and the Guisborough Market Town Initiative.

Ms Serginson said: "Over the next two months local people will be actively encourage to get involved in contributing to the development and management of the site.''