A FIVE-YEAR plan to improve one of Darlington's important woodland areas is being drawn up by council officers.

Cemetery Lane, a link between the Hummersknott estate and Carmel Road North, has been home to some of the area's oldest trees and an array of wildlife for decades.

Environment chiefs have now revealed ambitious hopes to enhance the lane, which has become popular over the years with dog walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Almost 100 trees are to be planted over five years as part of the scheme.

The programme of work will be considered by members of Darlington Environmental Forum when they meet in the town hall next week.

Residents of the area have already been informed of the proposals, having lobbied Darlington Borough Council for several years for action to be taken to improve the area.

In the past five years, many trees have been lost to disease and old age.

Assessments have now been carried out on all the 250 mature trees along the length of the lane.

In the first year of the scheme, seven have been identified as diseased. They will be felled or cut back to prevent them falling on to nearby residential land.

Other trees that require further decay detection will be closely monitored.

The second year will continue the work, with new priorities drawn up, replanting and pruning of some trees.

A council spokeswoman said: "It is a very popular area. It is a piece of countryside in an urban area, so it is important that we have plans to maintain and protect it.

"We will be working with the Environmental Forum and local residents.

"There will be a consultation period when we will be asking for feedback from the residents."

Cemetery Lane has been designated a woodland area by the local authority for 150 years, after the creation of West Cemetery.

Since 1951, the majority of trees in the lane have been protected by a group preservation order.

Economic regeneration spokesman Councillor David Lyonette said: "Our proposed management plan is a comprehensive strategy, aimed at developing the area for people to enjoy today and in the future.