THE future of Worcestershire's mineral sites are the subject of key talks which are open to public feedback.

People still have the chance to have their say to help shape Worcestershire's plan when it comes to future minerals development.

A 12-week consultation on the second stage of the Minerals Local Plan, which began in November, will close this Friday (January 31).

Worcestershire's minerals include sand and gravel, some types of rock, building stone, brick clay, silica sand, coal and salt.

The new Minerals Local Plan, replacing the former document adopted in 1997, will set out guidelines for the amount of minerals that should come from Worcestershire along with setting out policies to ensure any development happens in the right places and that, once worked, restoration takes place to ensure social, environmental and economic benefits.

Cllr Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "There's still time for people interested to have their say on these proposals, which aim to ensure any future development occurs in the right places, but the clock is ticking towards the January 31 deadline."

All the information required can be found by visiting worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals.

At this stage no specific sites have been identified for development - even if a part of the county is marked as an 'area for search' it does not necessarily mean it will be worked.

The next stage will be further consultation on a draft plan next summer before a final submission to the Secretary of State in 2015.