THE public is invited to voice its views on the best ways of dealing with potentially-contaminated land.

Durham County Council has begun an eight-week consultation over revisions to its Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy.

It is almost five years since the council cabinet agreed the existing guidelines, now due for renewal.

But it is hoped the public will offer feedback on the updated strategy, which outlines how potentially contaminated land sites across the county will be identified, inspected and assessed, between 2015 and 2020.

It sets out how the council will meet its legal responsibilities relating to contaminated land, while also taking into account new guidance issued by the Government’s rural affairs department, DEFRA.

Among DEFRA’s requirements is the need to place sites into four risk categories, while normal levels of contaminants, such as those caused by common human activities, should not be pre-supposed to be considered hazardous.

Around 7,000 potentially contaminated land sites have been identified for inspection across the county.

These have been selected as historically they have been used for industrial activity, including colliery and coke works, gas works, landfills and/or factories.

The strategy can be viewed online through www.durham.gov.uk/consultation, while people can outline their views via www.durham.gov.uk/consultation, by email to landqualitysurvey@durham.gov.uk, or by ringing (03000) 261016.

Alternatively, they can write to Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy Consultation, Durham County Council, Neighbourhood Services, Environment, Health and Public Protection, Annand House, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8RS.

The closing date of the consultation is Monday August 31.