BUSINESSES and shops in Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) area are being urged to comment on proposals which aim to support their growth and development.

During the next few days, each will be sent a questionnaire asking for views on key aspects of a Commercial Areas and Strategic Buildings Improvement Strategy, commissioned by the NDC team and Hartlepool Borough Council.

The strategy suggests improvements in commercial areas, including Murray Street, Raby Road and Oxford Road, while proposals range from grants for building improvements, to environmental and traffic projects.

Businesses are also being invited to attend a workshop between 1pm and 4pm on Monday, November 24, at the NDC offices in The Arches, Park Road.

Others will be held between 5pm and 8pm at the People's Centre, Raby Road, on Wednesday, November 26; between 1pm and 4pm at the Grange Road Methodist Church, on Friday, November 28; 5pm to 8pm at the Oxford Road Baptist Church on Monday, December 1; 5pm to 8pm at the St George's Reform Church on Park Road on Wednesday, December 3; and 1pm to 4pm at the Oxford Street Baptist Church on, Friday, December 5.