RESIDENTS in the Cockerton area of Darlington have been asked to come up with ideas for creating a possible nature reserve.

Darlington Borough Council has launched a consultation process to gauge local opinion about proposals for the stretch of the Cocker Beck which runs from the edge of town, alongside Staindrop Road and into the middle of Cockerton.

The council hopes to have it designated as a local nature reserve, but wants to talk to as many people as possible first.

Cocker Beck is one of four areas being considered for new nature reserve status, the others being the top priority, Brinkburn Pond, as well as the Skerne restoration area at Haughton, Brankin Moor and Firthmoor.

Philip Roxby, the council's recently-appointed local nature reserves officer, whose three-year post is funded by English Nature, said: "Water is at the heart of all the potential reserves which we are looking at. These areas are small and we are trying to protect them.

"Cocker Beck is important because it has water voles, which are susceptible to changes in their environment."

Water voles are one of the most endangered mammals in Britain and Darlington is one of their strongholds.

Possible plans for the Cocker Beck site include creating meadow and wetland areas and improving the banks for water vole nest sites. Work has already started to clear out some of the silt and vegetation which clogs the water.

Mr Roxby said the council was looking at creating a local steering group to help develop the reserve, and had held talks with the Cockerton Partnership, which represents local organisations.

He said: "We would like the community to feed into this process. In these kind of areas it is a 50-50 balance between wildlife and recreation and now is the time for people to come forward if they have an interest and wish to influence what happens next."

Mr Roxby can be contacted in the countryside section at the town hall on 01325 380651.