RESIDENTS have been hearing how they will benefit from a regeneration scheme.

About 60 people from Hartlepool attended a meeting at the Supporters' Club, in Sandringham Road, to find out more about how New Deal for Communities is working in their area.

Hartlepool has received £54m of Government money to spend on transforming an area bordering the town centre, stretching from Hart Lane to Belle Vue and home to 10,000 residents, over the next ten years.

Projects will aim to improve health, raise educational standards, reduce crime, improve housing and the environment, create jobs and build a stronger community.

Among those soon to be started are a £580,000 extension to Belle Vue Sports Centre, £100,000 street lighting improvements, the addition of £80,000 alleygates and security lighting, the running of £30,000 Reach for Success free basketball courses, the setting up of a £14,500 family and parent support project, and the establishment of a £15,500 youth enterprise project.

Malcolm Walker, New Deal's programme director, said yesterday: "Since Hartlepool was granted New Deal for Communities money, there has been an enormous amount of planning and consultation.

"We are now in a position to start some projects, and residents of the town should soon see many of them taking shape."

Chairman Bryon Hanna said: "These are the first of around 40 projects which will get off the ground this year.