A FORMER rubbish dump is to become a haven for wildlife.

The old civic amenity site at Newport Road, Portrack, Stockton, on Teesside, closed its gates for the final time yesterday, following the opening earlier this week of a £625,000 waste recycling centre at nearby Haverton Hill.

Now Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Stockton Borough Council are joining forces to landscape the area, build footpaths, and establish a vital refuge for animals and birds.

Public consultation over the landscaping plans are on display at the Municipal Buildings, Stockton, until Friday.

Bob Cook, councillor for regeneration, said: "This is an important site in a very visible location, close to both the A19 flyover and the River Tees. I am sure its improvement will be welcomed by many people and I hope they will take a look at our plans and give their views on what is proposed."

Mark Fishpool, of the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said: "This landscaping project will provide a habitat for a number of species which are in decline, such as the grey partridge, the brown hare and the Grayling butterfly.

"The project will also benefit local people by providing a number of new footpaths to create a circular walk around the old incinerator and Portrack Marsh."