MIDDLESBROUGH Council has won funding to deliver a Home Zone scheme in the Gresham area of town.

Home Zones creates attractive urban environments, fosters community spirit and provides safer streets by meeting the interests of pedestrians and cyclists.

It aims to change the way streets are used and improve the quality of life by making them places for people, not just traffic.

Measures, such as traffic calming, parking areas, landscaping, play equipment and seating, can be used to turn streets into valued public spaces which are safer for everyone.

Steve Keetley, principal engineer with the council, said: "The zones have the potential to create stronger communities by getting more people out on to the streets and this in itself could lead to a drop in crime and the fear of crime.

"Also, by encouraging more people to walk or use bicycles the local environment should enjoy reduced levels of noise and pollution."

A community meeting was held earlier this month to inform residents what will be happening and when.

The meeting was also an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the ideas developed so far and help focus on the areas where broad agreement was identified.

Two teams of specialist consultants, FaberMaunsell and Gillespies, will work in partnership with the council to take the scheme through from design to implementation.

The design process will be managed by a steering group whose members include council planning officers and corporate strategy unit officers, Groundwork Middlesbrough, Councillor Ken Walker, a neighbourhood warden and residents.