A MIDDLESBROUGH street which was once seen as unsafe and run-down now has a waiting list of people wanting to live there.

Endeavour Housing Association claims that a year spent building up community spirit in Granville Road has paid off and people are now clamouring to move into the area.

Charlotte Howse, Endeavour's housing manager, said: "The area has really gained in popularity and we find that tenants are recommending the street to friends and relatives."

She said the association, which owns 100 properties in the road, set up a variety of community initiatives and worked with Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police to improve safety and security on the street.

"A new residents' group has also just been launched in a celebration of old-fashioned community spirit," she added.

Resident Sue Symmonds, who has lived in the street for 45 years and whose daughter and grandchildren also live there, said the street had really improved.

"Things are absolutely brilliant now and there is a really good feeling in the street. People have got to know each other much more and it's great."

Middlesbrough councillor Barry Coppinger said the success of the scheme was down to the support given to residents from Endeavour staff.

"The dedication of staff and their partnership with residents is second to none, and what has happened over the past 12 months has signalled a whole new era," he said.

"We will be working together to iron out any existing problems and to further develop what has been achieved."