A REVISED strategy to deal with contaminated land in Darlington has been published.

It sets out the way in which Darlington Borough Council will inspect and identify sites where land contamination could pose an environmental risk.

The first part of the programme will involve preliminary inspections.

The second will involve more detailed investigations to enable the council to ensure that contaminated land, once identified, is treated to a satisfactory standard.

Councillor Stephen Harker, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "The council has already treated several sites and brought them back into use. The strategy will enable us to continue this and to improve the environment.

"As well as satisfying legal requirements on the local authority, this very much fits into our commitments to sustainability and Local Agenda 21."

Darlington council will be consulting on the inspection strategy, including holding talks with statutory bodies including English Nature and the Environment Agency.

Views from members of the public are also welcomed.

Copies of the strategy document can be viewed at Darlington Central Library, Cockerton Library, at the council's offices at the town hall, and 11 Houndgate.

The closing date for comments is May 7.