PEOPLE in east Durham are being urged to make their communities better for their neighbours and future generations by supporting a blueprint for environmental improvement.

Easington District Council is drawing up a draft Local Agenda 21 strategy to tackle environmental problems and improve the quality of life of residents.

The council will aim to look after the environment, use fewer natural resources, develop the local economy and meet the needs of local people.

Projects for achieving sustainability include recycling, warm homes campaigns and building on brownfield sites before greenfield land is used.

The council has formed a working party to look at Local Agenda 21 issues, which is consulting with environmental organisations and interested parties.

The council plans to hold a public awareness day on the subject in October. It hopes to produce a final strategy by the end of the year

The working party's chairman, Councillor David Taylor Gooby, urged everyone to get involved in the production of the draft.

"We are already dealing with many of these issues, but we hope to do much more. We are keen that as many people as possible do get involved by having a say in their communities.

"Sustainable development is a way of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone in Easington district, now and for generations to come.