RESIDENTS in Hartlepool are being urged to have their say on the future of the town’s council-owned allotments.

Hartlepool Borough Council provide a total of 1,012 plots, spread across 16 sites across the town It has drawn up a draft Allotments Development Strategy to guide the way the allotments are managed and developed over the next five years.

The aims include developing secure sites with tidy allotments, forging stronger working relationships with plot-holders, creating opportunities for people to develop their gardening skills and ensuring charges and rents are fair.

Chris Wenlock, the council's parks and countryside officer, said: "Our vision is to work in partnership with allotment holders and residents living in the surrounding areas to encourage the growth of thriving allotment groups.

"Working together we can improve the quality, security, appearance and environmental value of the allotments and involve more people in them.

"I hope as many local residents as possible will take the time to study the draft strategy and give us their views on it."

The draft Allotments Development Strategy can been viewed in full at hartlepool.gov.uk/allotmentstrategy Comments should be submitted by November 6 to allotments@hartlepool.gov.uk or Chris Wenlock, Allotment Development Strategy Consultation, Parks and Countryside Section, Hartlepool Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ.