THE future of Hartlepool's Burn Valley Gardens will be discussed at a meeting next week.

The meeting has been called by the town's New Deal for Communities (NDC) initiative, which is hoping to begin an improvement scheme next year.

Officials from NDC say the improvements, planned for the lower part of the gardens, are dependent upon securing funding to match their contribution, and they are proposing to apply for a grant through an initiative known as Doorstep Greens.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday, at 5.30pm in the Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre.

It is hoped to form a resident-led working group and people with an interest in the Burn Valley Gardens are welcome to attend.

Further information is available by calling (01429) 894046.