A SMALL street, which has transformed itself against difficult odds, has won The Northern Echo's competition for community environmental schemes.

Members of Brougham Area Residents' Association (Bara) in Hartlepool, became concerned just over a year ago at the state of Perth Street, including damage from vandalism.

They persuaded private landlords to remove ugly shutters from rented houses and embarked on a programme of flower planting, raising almost all of the funds themselves.

Their campaign has invigorated the local community. Houseowners and tenants support the scheme, children in the street are also heavily involved, and vandalism has all but died out.

A three-strong judging panel visited the three shortlisted schemes on Monday, and praised Bara for encapsulating the spirit of Making A Difference, an annual competition sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, now in its fourth year.

Bara secretary Jean Lilley, who lives in Perth Street, said: "I am over the moon to think that we have got this far. A lot of hard work has gone in, but through the scheme, people have got to know each other better. Now more people will come out of their houses and stop and talk to each other.

"It is amazing how many people now use the street as a cut through because it is so pleasant. We did it for the children really, and they have learnt more respect for the street," she said.

Judge, Don Bowman, head of project technical services for One NorthEast, said: "The Hartlepool project has required perseverance by those involved. In difficult environmental circumstances, with very little outside assistance and few resources, the group has made a valuable difference to their surroundings."

Fellow judge Janetta Scurfield said: "The whole aim of Making A Difference is making a difference to the community wherever you are. The three schemes were all so different and all winners in their own different ways. But the most challenging of the three sites is Perth Street. The single-minded inspiration and determination in the face of a daunting situation has achieved an amazing difference in a year."

Judge and contest administrator John Dean said: "I think this was the highest quality entry we have ever had and choosing a shortlist, let alone a winner, was desperately difficult, but in the end Perth Street deserves the accolade."

Professor David Bellamy will present the prizes at later date.

Runners-up but still winners all round

BARA defeated two other shortlisted schemes. One of the runners-up was the primary school in St John's Chapel, Weardale, where staff, pupils and supporters of the school, backed by the wider community, have created a themed garden in the grounds.

Chairman of the governors Mark Oliphant said: "The community has been involved in every aspect and a lot of hard work has been done. It is very rewarding to see the finished result and this is something which the whole community can use."

The other runner-up, Page Bank Wildlife Group, comprises people living in Page Bank near Spennymoor, County Durham, where the main former pit village has been demolished.

A small number of houses remained and residents, backed by Durham Bird Club, are involved in projects including creating wildlife areas, planting hedges and drawing up an educational programme for youngsters

Resident Jeff Mullarkey and Bird Club member John Olley said the project had increased the sense of togetherness among local people and the wider community, including schoolchildren, would be encouraged to visit.