Darlington councillors are expected to approve proposals for its staff to carry on work at a wildlife reserve.

Firthmoor grasslands has been managed by Darlington Borough Council as a nature reserve for ten years.

At present, workers are developing a premier fishing facility at the site.

Approval is being sought from the local authority to continued development work at the site.

The efforts to enhance the reserve have been carried out by the British Trust For Conservation Volunteers, under a long-term contract which has been agreed with the council.

A five-year plan has been devised to create more wetlands, improve song bird habitat and increase the planting of hedges, scrubs and maintenance of water areas.

The next stage for the site will be to develop its interest for people living in the area, and to create a landscaped open space for their use.

The new fishing facility will allow people to fish safely and cheaply.

Workers are also seeking authorisation from the borough council to spent a further £177,000 on improved works at the reserve.

The cost of the scheme includes funding for staff to work on the project for the next three years, which is estimated at £60,000.

Darlington councillors will decide on the proposals at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.