IMPROVEMENTS are to be made to some of Hartlepool's 60 miles of rights of way thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Countryside Agency.

Hartlepool Borough Council will match-fund the scheme which is designed to make access easier to bridleways and public paths.

Countryside officers hope the improvements will in particular make access easier for people in wheelchairs and those using pushchairs.

Caine Spence, countryside access officer with the council, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to improve some rights of way where access is currently restricted.

"One simple way to make access easier is to replace a stile with a gate and this is the kind of improvement we will be looking at.

"The money will enable us to improve around two miles of countryside paths and we would like views from local people as to where the money should be spent.

"We are consulting parish councils and local groups, but we would welcome any other ideas or suggestions from local people."

Anyone wishing to express their view on how the money is spent is asked to contact Mr Spence on (01429) 523524 by September 8.