ORGANISATIONS across Hartlepool are being invited to comment on a five-year blueprint for the development of sporting facilities and opportunities.

They are being consulted about Hartlepool Borough Council's Sport and Recreation Strategy, which has just been drawn up by specialist consultants, Strategic Leisure.

Principal recreation officer, Oliver Sherratt said: "For the first time ever we have a document setting out just what we should be trying to achieve in terms of sport and recreation across the borough.

"It sets out very clearly the value of sport and will enable us to plan in a coordinated way, for the benefit of Hartlepool people.

"However, it is vital that local residents and groups have a chance to help shape the strategy, so that it meets their needs, and that is why we are inviting comments."

The strategy highlights the importance of sport and recreation in terms of improving health, economic development, social inclusion and the environment.

It sets out a number of areas for action, classifying them as high, medium or low priority.

High priorities include reviewing prices to encourage more people to take part in sport and recreation and attracting investment in sports facilities such as Grayfields Recreation Ground.

It also includes studying the feasibility of making an application for National Lottery funding for the refurbishment and future development of Mill House Leisure Centre.

Copies of the strategy are being sent to a range of sports clubs, schools and other organisations, asking them to respond within a month.

Copies are also available in libraries and other public buildings.