FEARS that a once common mammal may be on the verge of extinction in parts of a town have prompted the launch of a campaign to save it.

Conservationists from Hartlepool Borough Council and the police have joined forces to try to increase the brown hare population in countryside areas bordering the town through the Spare the Hare campaign.

Countryside warden Robert Smith said that a few years ago anyone who went for a countryside walk was likely to see several brown hares, but sightings were now few and far between.

He said: "Several members of the public, including some regular walkers, rang in after hearing about the campaign and confirmed a serious decline in brown hare numbers.

"All blamed a surge in both legal and illegal hunting."

The campaign aims to encourage people to report poaching in confidence to the police and encourage farmers and landowners to restore the animal's natural habitat.

It also asks farmers and authorised shooters using their land to observe a voluntary close season between March 1 and August 31.

Mr Smith said: "Several farmers have contacted us and confirmed brown hare numbers are going down noticeably.

"Some told us as a result of their own observations they no longer give permission to shoot hare at any time," he said.

The police Rural Crime Unit is keen to curb poachers' activities and is targeting hot-spots which have been identified from information generated by the campaign.

Its operations involve the use of plain-clothed officers and unmarked vehicles, with support provided by Cleveland Police's Air Support Unit and the traffic section.

On a positive note, brown hare are regularly spotted at some areas within the town.

Landowners can support the restoration of natural habitats through a Countryside Stewardship scheme by contacting Rick Brewis on (01642) 300716.

Anyone who wishes to pass on information about poaching can contact PC Jim Blackwell, in confidence, on (01429) 861678.