FAMILIES in County Durham are being asked for their views on how to improve the systems for disposal of waste in the county.

The consultation is being undertaken as Durham County Council launches the next stage of its waste management review this week.

The authority is trying to establish the best way to process the many thousands of tonnes of waste produced in the county each year.

During the next six weeks, people will be asked their views on the initial draft of the council's County Durham Waste Local Plan, aimed at identifying new waste facilities in the county and reducing the amount of material taken to landfill sites.

Publication of the draft plan follows that of the Waste Local Plan Key Issues paper, last winter.

Consultations on that document attracted more than 650 comments and led to the drawing up of 49 policies for governing waste management, including measures for protecting the environment and communities.

Durham County Council's director of economic development and planning, Mark Lloyd, said: "This draft Waste Local Plan sets out a comprehensive approach to waste management and is intended to provide greater certainty to communities and industry as to the future location of new waste facilities. The way waste is managed needs to change dramatically over the coming years. It is therefore vitally important that anyone with views on the plan makes them known during this consultation period."

The second draft is likely to be published next winter, and may be followed by a public inquiry.

People can view the draft at libraries, County Hall, district planning offices and on the website www.durham.gov.uk.

Comments can be made by letter or email. The closing date is February 18.