PLANS to help endangered water voles in Darlington have been welcomed.

Members of Darlington Borough Council's Environmental Forum heard that the Westbrook Villas Residents' Association had approached the authority about land in Brinkburn Denes.

Sandwiched between Drury Street and Hopetown Lane, the open space backs on to gardens in Westbrook Villas, off North Road.

Sarah Storey, countryside officer for the council, said: "A lot of the association members, particularly the young people, are keen on wildlife and enthusiastic about changing the wildlife regime down there.

"Water voles are present, but it is not ideal for them and it does need some re-shaping. We are making the best use of the area for the water voles and for the residents and the wider community."

Ms Storey said work would include ceasing grasscutting in some areas to allow vegetation to grow and enhancing bog habitat.

Reid Street and Corporation Road primary schools are supporting the initiative.

Forum vice-chairman Cliff Evans, representing Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "It is a strong community so it should succeed. If it does, it should be a model for other areas."