WORK has begun on a project to give a paddling pool and play area in Hartlepool a new lease of life.

The Block Sands paddling pool on the Headland, will be resurfaced and stepping stones laid across the pool in place of a small concrete bridge, which had to be demolished because it did not meet current safety standards.

The pool will have new water features including three bubble jets for toddlers and three water jets for older children.

There will also be new equipment in the play area including children's rockers and climbing blocks surrounded by soft safety flooring.

Other improvements include sandblasting, repairing and repainting the railings around the area.

Some new railings will be fitted along the upper walkway behind the pool and play area, and new sandstone seats and paving will be installed.

The work, which will be completed for the summer, is being paid for by the North Hartlepool Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund.

Other improvements are to start shortly on the Headland, to improve the main access routes into the area.

These include the creation of car parking bays in Durham Street to ease congestion and improve its appearance.

New garden walls and gates will be installed and pastel-coloured outside wall panels attached to houses in Thorpe Street and parts of Northgate and Durham Street.