PLANS to spend £800,000 on revamping roundabouts on East Cleveland's main roads to improve Teesside's image are soon to be considered by councillors.

The 'entrance features' on four roundabouts on the A66 between Old Station Road and Teesport will include better signs and art work.

Councillors from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will be asked to approve the work, which would be completed by 2007.

The council's Cabinet backed the plan at its meeting on Tuesday, and the South Tees business forum is also supporting the scheme.

"The works will help create a strong and cohesive image for the developing Business Parks to the north of the A66 as well as improving the key corridor of the A66 and the gateway into the borough," said principal economic development officer Ian Dunn in a report to councillors. "The idea is to develop a strong visual image for the area and to ensure the South Tees Business Parks area benefits from common signage and branding," the report said.

The additional cost of maintaining the roundabouts would be approximately £12,510 a year.

Works would be phased with the Teesport roundabout being improved in 2003/4, the Old Station Road roundabout in 2004/5 and the Asda and Eston Road roundabouts in 2005/06-2006/07.

Funding of up to £800,000 for the works is currently being sought through two projects within the Tees Valley Action Plan including the South Tees Strategy and Tees Corridor.