A new blueprint aimed at shaping the future of Hartlepool's allotments will be placed under the microscope on Wednesday.

Hartlepool Borough Council provides a total of 1,012 allotment plots, spread across 16 sites around the town.

Some are managed by the council and others are run in partnership with local allotment associations.

The council has drawn up a draft Allotments Development Strategy to guide the way the allotments are managed and developed over the next five years.

The strategy is the subject of ongoing public consultation and the council's adult and community services scrutiny forum will give its views when it examines the strategy on Wednesday.

The meeting takes place in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, at 4.30pm and members of the public are encouraged to attend.

The aims of the strategy include developing secure sites, forge stronger working relationships with plot holders and community groups, ensure charges are fair and create opportunities for people to develop their gardening skills.

Councillor Chris Simmons, chair of the forum, said: "Allotments provide opportunities for a healthy leisure pursuit to a significant number of people across the town.

"The council is keen to develop a strategy that can provide sustainable and continuous improvement and we want to make sure that those residents who hold allotments have the chance to have their views on the allotment strategy heard."

For more information visit hartlepool.gov.uk/scrutiny or contact Laura Starrs on 01429-523647.