PLANS have been drawn up to develop recreational land at Stone Cross in Northallerton.

District councillors are looking to balance the needs of sport and recreational users with those of dog owners and walkers on the land behind Hambleton leisure centre.

Cabinet members have approved a draft plan which will be developed for public consultation over the next few months.

The first phase of the work was completed this month when two footbridges were opened, giving access to a previously-unused landscaped area. The bridges are linked by an informal path which runs along North Beck.

Now it is hoped to set up projects with children and volunteer groups to develop a wildlife haven.

"We are trying to balance the needs for sports, dog owners and people seeking a quiet walk," said the head of leisure and tourism services, Mr Dave Goodwin.

The 17-acre site is the only recreation area in the district that the authority manages directly. It was established as a flood prevention scheme. and was put to test last November when the beck overflowed, completely filling the flood basin up to the top of football goal posts.

But it is also used for dog walking, jogging, football, cricket and rounders matches, coaching courses, school cross country training and for special events. And it is part of the green transport route in the market town; its newly-lit cycleway links Brompton to the town centre.