ELDERLY people have been provided with a safer future thanks to a security project.

Old people living in Donnini House, a sheltered housing complex in Easington, were constantly being disturbed by youths coming on to the site.

To combat the problem, East Durham Homes estate officers have built a boundary fence to enclose the complex.

Yesterday, Easington MP John Cummings unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the introduction of the security measure.

Lighting units have also been installed and anti-climb paint has been applied to the outside of the fence.

Jackie Barkel, a warden at Donnini House, said: "The new fence has proved a great success and residents are no longer disturbed by neighbourhood nuisances.

"It has dramatically improved the quality of the residents' lives. Previously, they had no outside space but now they have a communal area where they can rest and socialise in the open air.''

Residents have been working alongside Age Concern to create a communal garden area and have also invested in a greenhouse where they will be growing their own plants.