A PUBLIC meeting will be held tomorrow to give people a chance to find out more about plans to construct an innovative vehicle-free route in Hartlepool.

Officials from Hartlepool Borough Council are planning to create a greenway along the eastern side of Greatham Beck, between Sappers Corner, at Greatham Village and Wainfleet Road, on the Fens estate.

Greenways are paths designed to be shared by pedestrians, disabled people, cyclists and horse riders.

The proposal would enable people to access the countryside more easily, improve links between residential areas in the south of the town and schools, shops, Greatham Village and the developing Queen's Meadow Business Park, while also allowing children to play and ride their bikes more safely away from busy roads.

Nick Clennett, the borough council's transportation manager, said: "This scheme reflects the aims of our local transportation plan which includes a strategy to increase the level of walking and cycling across the borough.

"By encouraging more walking and cycling we aim to reduce traffic congestion, improve the environment and promote good health and leisure opportunities.

"We hope people will attend the public meeting to find out more about the proposed scheme and air their views."

The meeting will be held tomorrow, at 6.30pm, in the Fens Primary School, Mowbray Road, Hartlepool, where plans of the scheme will be on display.

People can also make views known by writing to head of technical services, Ian Parker, at Bryan Hanson House, Hanson Square, Hartlepool.