A NEW service will help create better living conditions for vulnerable Wear Valley and Teesdale residents.

The Durham Dales Home Improvement Agency supports elderly, disabled and low income home owners and tenants who need to carry out repairs or adapt their homes.

Manager Shirley Wild, technical officer Neil Pace and technical administrator Claire Meggeson are based in the Four Clocks Centre, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

Working with agencies such as Citizens Advice, Age Concern, district councils, the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Social Care and Health, they will assess people's needs and advise on any work which may be necessary.

They can advise on finance, help people to fill in forms, obtain estimates, arrange surveys and plans and supervise work to ensure it is carried out on time and to budget.

Ms Wild said: "People living in poor housing conditions, including many people living with disabilities, often face major difficulties when trying to tackle the work necessary to improve their home.

"The agency is all about supporting people to live independently in their own homes by providing impartial advice and practical assistance on many issues."

The agency is funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and partner organisations.