A THREE-year project looks likely to bring new light to a rundown housing estate.

Residents in the Edenhill area of Peterlee were asked what they thought would improve their environment and they expressed the concern that poor street lighting was contributing to their fear of crime.

As a result a three-year plan has been drawn up to help improve conditions on the troubled estate.

The project is dependant on the availability of funds as it requires £178,000 of investment.

It is hoped that money from Easington District Council's Liveability Fund, intended for projects which improve the quality of life of residents, will be made available.

The first phase of the project will upgrade lighting in the Eden Lane and Robson Avenue sections of the estate.

Eden Lane forms a route to many of Edenhill's leisure facilities.

Robson Avenue is also a feeder road into the Eden Lane area and the site of the Eden Community Primary School, which it is hoped will become a focal point for community activities.

The lighting will form part of the overall Edenhill Project, which is a Home Office-backed initiative that seeks to improve conditions for residents through better partnership working and more effective community engagement by service providers.

Some lighting improvements have been undertaken and have already received a positive feedback from those living in the area.

Councillor Rob Crute, chairman of the Edenhill Project said: "Street lighting improvements have a major impact on residents' feelings of safety.

"The proposed improvements will make local people feel safer and give them the opportunity to go out more at night and take part in the social activities of the estate."