TIME is running out for Darlington residents who want to help influence Government environment policy.

Following Darlington Borough Council’s decision to opt into the Government's Sustainable Communities Act, anyone in the town can submit their ideas for improving the area and these could become government policy.

But all ideas must be received by July 8.

The ideas should be about providing the council with new powers, so suggestions should be something outside the council’s remit.

Anyone with an idea should look at the evaluation criteria on-line at www.darlington.gov.uk to check it meets these, then e-mail it to the on-line forum, which can also be accessed on-line.

People can speak to Councillor Andy Scott, the council's cabinet member for communities and engagement, at a drop-in session at eVOLution, formerly the Council for Voluntary Service, in Church Row on Monday, from 4pm to 6.30pm.

After the deadline, council officers will look at the ideas from local people and decide which ones should go forward to full council for discussion in July. Members will then decide which ones to submit to the Local Government Association (LGA).

The LGA must select the best ideas to put forward to the Secretary of State on August 1, who will have the final say on which proposals are implemented.

Coun Scott said: "This really is an excellent opportunity for people here in Darlington to shape national government policy for the benefit of the borough. So, if anyone has any ideas about what needs improving or what we should be doing differently, they should get in touch."

For more information contact the council's Connecting with Communities team on 01325-388023.