A MASSIVE scheme has been launched to improve the environment of a Teesside town.

More than £500,000 of European funding is being poured into 17 environmental improvement schemes around Middlesbrough. Mayor Ray Mallon said it was just what the town needed.

"A better environment is crucial to Middlesbrough's prosperity and the town's pride, so this is very welcome," said Mr Mallon.

The schemes range in scale and size from small size makeovers to the creation of play and community parks.

More than 100 local people are working alongside environmental charity Groundwork. The cleared site of the demolished blind school in Middlesbrough's Stockton Road is being incorporated into Carter Park in the town's West Lane area.

Young people on the Easterside estate were consulted on what they would like to see in their neighbourhood. This led to the installation of multi-purpose sports hall and a number of teenage shelters, connected by a climbing wall.

Residents are receiving on-site training by the charity, The Wise Group, which works with the long-term unemployed.

The £517,000 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund has been matched by cash from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities, a Countryside Agency grant and Groundwork's own funds.

Chris Watson, executive director of Groundwork Middlesbrough said: "It is great to see some of these schemes come into fruition, particularly since local residents have been involved throughout their development and implementation.

"At Groundwork, we are convinced that this level of involvement is absolutely key to the long-term sustainability of environmental improvement."

David Slater, business group director at Government Office for the North East said: "This project is a great example of what can be achieved by involving local people at every stage in plans to improve their neighbourhoods."

Councillor Ron Lowes, Middlesbrough Council cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: "I welcome the work they are doing. They are doing great things."

Established in March 2001, Groundwork Middlesbrough has so far planted 5,000 trees, improved 75,000sq metres of land and involved 500 residents