PLANS to breathe new life into a seaside town in a bid to make it more attractive to residents and visitors will be discussed today.

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's scrutiny co-ordinating committee will discuss the progress of the Seaton Carew Tourism Strategy, which is being produced by the Seaton Carew Renewal Advisory Group (Scrag), and the council.

The strategy is aimed at building on previous and current investment in Seaton Carew, to enable improvements and better management of the resort.

It is hoped this will improve tourism in the town and its economic development.

The strategy is in draft form and incorporates a number of objectives key to the regeneration of the area.

These include raising standards of beach and sea cleanliness, developing attractions and events, and improving accommodation.

There are also 44 individual proposals outlined in the draft blueprint. They include improving links to the marina and town centre via a shuttle bus; creating a car park for visitors on Coronation Drive; development of the former fairground site and coach park; and the re-introduction of lifeguards.

A report to the committee said: "The resort has the potential to be enhanced to support the borough as a visitor destination, which will aid its regeneration and contribute to the wider aim of diversifying the local economy by developing the tourism potential of Hartlepool."

A public consultation took place last month and the results of that will be considered by Scrag, which will agree any changes to the document.

The final strategy will be presented to the council's regeneration and economic development portfolio holder for final endorsement.

Members at today's meeting are being asked to note the contents of the draft strategy.