A DEPRIVED part of the region could be in line for extra cash as part of a new regeneration scheme.

The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has identified 83 eligible areas across the country, which could become a Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder.

It has asked Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to submit one area as a potential candidate for the scheme.

Council leader David Walsh said that the scheme puts extra cash into deprived areas, as a way of developing neighbourhood management schemes, allowing community groups to take responsibility for the regeneration of their own areas.

The council considered both the Courts and Top Lakes estates, Kirkleatham, and the Dormanstown West ward for the scheme.

The scheme covers areas affected by poor physical environment, crime, ill-health, joblessness and educational under-achievement.

The council submitted Kirkleatham as its final nomination, and will now work with interested parties to prepare a bid.

Councillors also hope to approve work for Dormanstown through a Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme and the deployment of community wardens in the neighbourhood.