THE people of five communities have been given the chance to improve their towns.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will hold six consultation meetings with people living in Eston, Grangetown, South Bank, Normanby and Teesville, when they will have the chance to a discuss the Greater Eston Housing and Regeneration Strategy.

Issues to be discussed include demolishing more houses in South Bank and Grangetown, building a shopping centre at Low Grange Farm and ways to reverse the decline in house prices in the district.

Councillor George Dunning, chairman of the Greater Eston Working Party, said: "There are some very big decisions to be made about investment, housing and shopping developments and housing demolition in these areas.

"We really need to hear from the people living in these areas, what they think about the various options, and we want to have an open and honest debate."

Simon Underwood, from meeting organisers BOW Community Projects, said: "We know there are some controversial proposals to be considered.

"There will be plenty of time for discussion and we will ensure that everyone can put their point across."

The schedule of meeting is: Tuesday at James Finegan Hall, in Eston, at 6.30pm; Wednesday at Whale Hill Community Centre at Eston, 6.30pm; Thursday at Whale Hill Community Centre, at Eston, at 6.30pm.

Monday, July 29 at Generation Centre, Normanby Road, South Bank, at 7.30pm; Tuesday, July 30 at Poverina Hotel, High Street, Normanby, at 6.30pm and on Wednesday, July 31 at Grangetown Youth and Community Centre at 6.30pm.