VISITORS to a Teesside park are being given the chance to have their say on how it should be run.

Staff at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, near Billingham, want people to help them create a management plan and come up with ideas to improve the facility.

Countryside ranger Fiona Shipp said people would be asked to comment on key issues affecting the park including how its budget should be spent, whether dogs should be allowed and whether trees should be removed.

"We are a public service paid for by the people of Stockton borough and should listen to what our users want and here at Cowpen we are not frightened to try out some new ideas," she said.

Fellow ranger Martin Nunn said the plan would help create a blueprint for the future of the 300-acre park.

"The people of Billingham have been using this area for years, and their children, grandchildren and great-children will continue to visit this site as it develops into mature woodland during this century."

A series of public consultations have been set up which people can attend to give their views, or they can call (01642) 415225.

Comments will then be analysed and the results published at the end of this month.

The consultations take place tomorrow, between 5pm and 8pm at Greatham Parish Hall; Thursday, between 7pm and 9pm at the Horseshoes pub, Cowpen Bewley; Monday, May 13, between 2pm and 8pm at Low Grange Community Centre, Billingham; Sunday, May 12, between 10am and 4pm; and Tuesday, May 14 between 6pm and 9pm at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park activity centre.