PROJECTS to tackle crime and grime around the North-East, backed with £80,000 of Government cash, were unveiled yesterday.

Five areas in the region are set to benefit from cleaner, greener and safer neighbourhoods, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced.

Operation Gate It is a programme designed to improve areas which are run-down and suffer from anti-social behaviour.

Four projects were each awarded £10,000 under the scheme with a £40,000 flagship project to be named later.

Ms Blears said: "Dark, quiet alleyways often attract anti-social behaviour and crime and local communities should not have to put up with it.

"People who are suffering from anti-social behaviour want action on the ground and Gate It does precisely that."

In Peterlee, Groundwork East Durham will make improvements to Edenhill's Yoden Road, which leads to shops and a public house.

It is poorly lit and has become a gathering place for groups of young people, who can cause residents to feel intimidated.

In Stanley, County Durham, residents of William Street are working with Groundwork West Durham on a project named A Place For Our People.

They are planning schemes to make young people feel part of the community as well as redesigning public spaces.

The area, currently a hot spot for fly-tipping, alcohol abuse, car dumping and joy-riding, will be redeveloped.

In Redcar, Groundwork South Tees aims to reduce the number of burglaries in the Eston area by installing alley-gates and kissing-gates.

The project will also improve safety for pedestrians by preventing vehicles using footpaths.