PLANS by residents to create a wildlife haven on their doorstep looks set to go ahead.

North Billingham Residents Association has teamed up with Stockton Borough Council, Billingham Regeneration, and The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to produce a package of measures that will secure the long-term future of Cowbridge Beck.

It is hoped the proposals will create a greater diversity of habitats to encourage even more species to live in and visit the area, make the area cleaner and safer, and also provide local people and schoolchildren with a chance to gain a greater understanding of the environment.

Funding has been awarded from the Community Chest, Health Action Zone, and the Landfill Tax Fund, and work will include planting 1,200 trees, the clearing of all litter from the site, the renovation of the existing bridges and the construction of a dipping platform.

Interpretation panels and new paths will also be built.

John Allan, vice-chairman of the association, said: "The area by Cowbridge Beck has a wealth of bird life with rare visitors.

"There is a water vole at present and kingfishers have been attempting to colonise the area for a number of years.

"We regularly see greenfinch, chaffinch, wagtails and wrens and we also have sparrows, hawks and kestrels."

Mr Allan added:"The area needs to be maintained as naturally as possible to keep the natural balance so these species can survive.

"This area is a little jewel of nature in an increasingly commercially driven world, so any development we propose will endeavour to minimise any interference to the natural balance."

The plans for the beck were first discussed about 18 months ago, and residents are being encouraged to have their say on what they would like to see in the area.

Keith Matthews, environmental projects officer with Stockton Borough Council, said; "We have had some good feedback so far and a lot of people are happy with the proposals.

"If all goes well we would hope to be able to start work in about four to six weeks time.