PROJECT leaders charged with turning around a run-down estate say the quality of life is improving - and things are due to get better.

The Edenhill Project is a Home Office-funded scheme which aims to transform the lives of residents in the Edenhill area of Peterlee.

This weekend, it revealed figures for the past year showing that the number of burglaries has plummeted.

Statistics for the year ending March 2004 showed that break-ins fell by 33 per cent, a reduction of 20 on the previous year.

Burglaries of sheds and outbuildings dropped by 35 per cent, from 40 in 2002-2003, to 26 last year.

Ken Wilson, manager of the Edenhill Project, said: "Work over the past few years has changed Edenhill from a high crime to a low crime area.

"However, even a few burglaries are a few too many."

Mr Wilson put the drop in crime down to "target hardening" measures, that have seen new locks and bolts installed in the windows and doors of 300 council homes on the estate.

Extra street lighting has also been put in place.

Mr Wilson said: "The Edenhill Project is keen to keep the burglary rate on the estate in a downward spiral and encourages owner-occupiers and council tenants to invest in basic measures to secure homes, sheds and garages."

As part of the drive to boost the quality of life, East Durham Homes has started a massive improvement programme for council housing.

It follows a survey in which residents complained that no money had been spent on their homes, and branded Easington District Council's commitment to housing as "poor".

Mr Wilson said: "The housing stock on Edenhill is about 50 years old.

"Although sturdy and of solid construction, there has been a lack of investment, which has meant that time and wear and tear has taken its toll."

Refurbishment is already under way on 18 flats and 21 houses in Little Eden. Work on 50 homes in Bailey Rise will begin in July.

Joyce Sloan, board director of East Durham Homes and a member of the Edenhill and Chapel Hill North Residents' Association, said: "Council housing on the estate needs substantial investment to bring houses up to the Decent Homes Standard.

"East Durham Homes is planning to invest considerable sums in upgrading homes on Edenhill and other parts of the district of Easington over the next few years."