HELP with childcare costs is still on offer in Hartlepool to enable people to take up work, training or go into voluntary work leading to employment. A Flexible Childcare Fund operating in the town's New Deal for Communities (NDC) area aims to offer short-term support and ensure parents are not held back while waiting for childcare money from the Government or other sources. Individuals living in the NDC area, or constituted groups working for the benefit of NDC residents, are eligible to apply for funds. There is a limit of £500 a year on individual applications, but no limit to group bids. Further information is available by contacting (01429) 523411 or 523471.

SPORTS DIRECTORY: A call has gone out to all sports clubs in Hartlepool to provide information for a new directory. Hartlepool Borough Council's sports development team is behind the publication which, once published, will be made available throughout the borough. It will enable people to find out about the sporting opportunities that exist in Hartlepool. Any organisation interested in being included in the directory should contact Caroline Coutts on (01429) 284104.

QUAD-BIKE TRACKS: Hart-lepool Borough Council has received a planning application to allow the continued use of land as quad-bike tracks at Brierton Farm, Brierton Lane, Greatham. The plan also includes providing a car park, and accommodation for toilets, changing, viewing and supervision.

VIEWS SOUGHT: Residents are being offered the chance to contribute ideas to improve life in Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) area. They are being invited to attend a special community forum meeting today, from noon, at The Studio, Tower Street. It is aimed at discussing how the arts can be harnessed to tackle some of the issues affecting the NDC area. For further information contact (01429) 894046.

POOL CLOSURE: Stockton's new swimming pool, Splash, is due to undergo its first year's service. To keep the pool in good condition, it will be closed from July 15 to July 17 for essential maintenance work. It is hoped that it will be opened again on Friday, July 19, in time for the school summer holidays. The fitness suite will not be affected.