WORK has begun to transform the lives of the Fairfields show families who live in caravans on a troubled industrial estate in Middlesbrough.

They have had to put up with arson, abuse, fly-tipping and dog dirt over the past few years, while businesses at nearby Lawson Road have complained of a rise in break-ins and vandalism.

Yesterday, a £30,000 project to improve things for the community was under way. The scheme will include landscaping, secure fencing, artwork and more trees.

Those who live at Fairfields are a cultural community, providing fairground rides and entertainment to people in the Tees Valley and beyond.

They belong to The Showmen's Guild, a nationwide group of 20,000 members, and live locally because of strong business and family ties to Middlesbrough.

Valerie Moody, who has been a resident at Fairfields for more than 35 years, said: "This project is about creating a place where we feel safe and proud to live.

"Our community has lived at Fairfields for over 90 years. The support we have received for this project is overwhelming, and our neighbours, Jewsons and North Ormesby Primary School, are helping us to create a haven we can call home."

The project is funded by Neighbourhood Renewal, Middlesbrough Council's Culture and Community Fund, the Countryside Agency and building firm Jewsons.

Work is being supported by North Ormesby 2001 and the Middlesbrough React project.

Pherenice Worsey-Buck, React's project manager, said: "The React project links into existing regeneration programmes such as the North Ormesby Initiative, to bring trees to where people live, work and play.

"Green spaces can help build strong neighbourhoods as residents work together, build friendships, look after one another and have pride in their area -the very fabric of a healthy neighbourhood."

Local councillor James Jones said the scheme was part of major development in the area, including new housing, a medical village and the regeneration of the market.

He said: "This area needs tidying up as it has deteriorated recently because it has been neglected.

"The people who live there deserve it because they are good residents and well respected in the community."