RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on how a council plans to transform its open spaces over the next 13 years.

Sedgefield Borough Council is launching a major consultation programme to find out what taxpayers want to see from open spaces in the area, as well as sports and recreation facilities.

Chris Myers, from the council, said: "We want to improve the borough's open spaces and sports and recreational facilities, and the views and the opinions of what local people think about the quality and accessibility of existing facilities will help us to develop future plans in line with what they want to see being developed."

The council will be working with a team of consultants during the public consultation exercise.

There will also be a digital map-based questionnaire will on the council's website - www.sedgefield.gov.uk - where people can register their views and comments.

The information will help the preparation of the borough's Local Development Framework, which is set to replace the existing Local Plan next year.