Hartlepool Borough Council's new parks and countryside officer has pledged to work closely with local people.

James Gilchrist aims to make the town's parks and countryside areas as accessible as possible and attract more visitors, and has stressed that residents of the town must be given a say in how this is achieved.

He said: "My first impression of Hartlepool is that it has huge potential. Some of this has been realised, but we would like to extend this.

"This will involve asking people to tell us what they actually want. There may, for instance, be a good reason why people do not use a particular location. These are types of issues we will be looking to resolve."

Mr Gilchrist has responsibility for public rights of way, countryside wardens and the countryside section's environmental task force.

Anybody wanting to discuss ideas with him can contact him on (01429) 523538.