RESIDENTS across Sedgefield borough are being urged to share their views on how its green and open spaces should be used and improved.

Sedgefield Borough Council needs public input to create a detailed plan which could see the transformation of land from grass verges and footpaths to playing fields and parks.

The information will be used by the council's planning and leisure service departments in an attempt to make the best use of public land across the district.

Feedback about areas smaller than 0.2 hectares of land will be included in a green space project and anything bigger will help form the open space project.

Planning officers will use the document when working with developers as it could set the guidelines for what level of play provision should be provided in a residential area.

The council's own leisure services department will base work at its sports and recreational facilities on local demands as outlined in the blueprint.

As the two plans will form the long-term template for use of open spaces officers say it is vital that people share their thoughts in the coming weeks.

A council spokesperson said: "Consultation will run throughout January and February and it is really important that local people tell us what they think about the quality and accessibility of existing facilities.

"What they say really makes a difference to the future of the borough, it will help us to develop future plans in line with what they want. Every change to green and open spaces in Sedgefield will be done with the local standard, as defined by this research, in mind.

"To take part people can use the online community survey, about 3,000 questionnaires are going out to interested groups and individuals and there will be focus group sessions. Anyone without access to the Internet can contact the council and a questionnaire will be sent to them."

Alongside the public input, the council is carrying out an audit of 400 sites and is working with a team of consultants to compile the results.

To register your comments, complete the digital map questionnaire on the council's website at www.sedgefield. gov.uk or contact Chris Myers on (01388) 816166.