RESIDENTS of Hartlepool's Headland have been helping to shape the future of the Borough Buildings.

A £1.5m scheme is being drawn up to renovate the building, to make sure the best possible use is made of it and to get local people involved in its running.

Consultation with Headland residents has been under way for more than a year, and yesterday they were invited to give their views on the latest plans.

The consultation has been spearheaded by the North Hartlepool Partnership - which is using Single Regeneration Budget money to help revitalise the area - with Hartlepool Borough Council and the Headland Town Council.

Funding for the work will come from organisations including the North Hartlepool Partnership.

The building is used at present for smaller meetings, but the plans include redesigning the interior, with an extension at the back. This would provide meeting and training rooms, particularly for use by voluntary and community groups.

The proposals also include installing a lift to improve access to the first floor rooms.

If local people are happy with the plans, it is hoped that work will start on the interior later this year, with the whole project finished by the middle of next year.