EFFORTS to protect Hartlepool’s environment and improve life for both residents and visitors have been given a boost.

Four new litter bins and three benches, funded by Thirteen Group, have been installed on the Throston Grange Estate.

The benches are in Flint Walk, a lengthy route through the estate used by many elderly people, and they provide handy stop-off points where they can take a rest.

A further seven bins and three wheelchair-accessible picnic tables - funded through Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Programme, a capital investment programme designed to benefit communities across the town  have been installed at Seaton Carew.

The new picnic tables, adapted to enable a wheelchair to tuck in, are located near to the children’s play area on The Front, next to the Rocket House Car Park and in Seaton Park.

Councillor John Tennant, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee and a Ward Councillor for the Throston area, said: “The Council is committed to keeping Hartlepool as clean and tidy as possible and the new bins are central to that.

“I’d like to thank Thirteen Group for their support for the initiative at Throston and others elsewhere that are helping to improve the town.

“At Seaton, the bins will make a big difference while the picnic tables are part of ongoing efforts - supported by the ward councillors - to improve accessibility for both disabled residents and visitors.”