PLANS have been drawn up to redevelop recreational land in Northallerton for the benefit of all.

Councillors are attempting to balance the needs of sport and recreational users with those of dog owners and walkers on land behind Hambleton Leisure Centre.

A draft improvement plan has been drawn up which will be go out for public consultation in the next few months.

The first phase of the work was completed earlier this month, with the opening of two footbridges providing access to a previously unused landscaped area.

Now it is hoped to set up projects with children and volunteer groups to develop the area into a wildlife haven.

"Our improvement plan will kick-start the development process off and we hope as many users as possible will come forward with views," said head of tourism and leisure Dave Goodwin.

The 17-acre site is the only recreation area within Hambleton directly managed by the local authority. Established principally as a flood prevention scheme, it is widely used for a variety of recreational pursuits.