A COMPANY which was told to restore a former wildlife haven or risk facing legal action is making good progress, according to Darlington Borough Council.

Ward Brothers, a steel company, levelled the 7.3 acre site at Cleveland Street, Darlington, after planning permission was denied by the local authority

A Government planning inspector reversed the decision after an appeal, but the council says conditions set out to preserve wildlife were ignored.

Last month, the council gave its warning and said an enforcement notice and legal action could follow if the land was not restored.

But yesterday, the council said: "We are in contact with the company and, over the last few weeks, they have appointed a landscape architect to improve the look of the piece of land and an ecologist to look at ways of preserving and enhancing the wildlife site.

"We are satisfied that the progress is being made, but will obviously be monitoring the situation to ensure the conditions are met in full.