A SCHEME aimed at breathing life into the fishing villages of Staithes, Runswick Bay and Port Mulgrave, near Whitby, has attracted nearly £5m of investment.

The Spirit of Staithes, a Single Regeneration Budget initiative funded by the Government and covering the parish of Hinderwell, was set up to tackle the training, education and skills needs of the community, said Ray Williamson, head of regeneration for Scarborough Borough Council.

In a report to this week's council cabinet, he said the initiative has helped improve the environment and housing, supported local businesses, created jobs, cut crime, and improved the health and safety of residents.

A report by consultants JMH Research stated: "The overall impact of the scheme has been positive in tackling social and economic problems in the parish and generating wealth and prosperity."

Five years ago, the Mulgrave ward, of which the parish is a part, was in the bottom 25 per cent of deprived wards in the country.

Latest figures showed it had improved, but was still in the bottom 40 per cent nationwide.

Creation of workspace, regeneration of eyesores,improvements to housing and boost businesses has been achieved, say the consultants.

"The scheme has been seen as being good value for money," said Mr Williamson.

St Peter's Centre, in the old part of Staithes, has been renovated, and a project known as The Staithes Gateway was created through local group, The Jet Coast Development Trust.

One of the main successes was the building of a £600,000 village hall at Hinderwell. The local primary school has been provided with IT equipment for both pupils and adults, and empty and derelict buildings have been renovated, improving Staithes' tourism image, said Mr Williamson.

A strategy will now be developed to take projects forward, the committee heard.