MILLIONS of pounds are to be injected into measures geared to improve the quality of life for residents in disadvantaged areas of a town.

A £2.6m range of projects has been approved by Middlesbrough Borough Council's cabinet.

There will be an environmental community chest to finance green community projects, £300,000 to combat environmental problems, £200,000 for extra security cameras and alley gates, £200,000 for health outreach activities and a further £200,000 to improve literacy in the 11 lowest achieving primary schools.

Another £200,000 is being put into a neighbourhood support fund to encourage communities to come up with ideas for improving local services, while £250,000 has been earmarked for a programme of activities devised to encourage the use of local libraries.

Council leader Councillor Ken Walker said the money, which will total £11.8m over three years, will have a real impact across the town.

He said: "We are concentrating on key local priorities, such as improving standards in schools, creating a safe and pleasant environment and promoting better health. All the projects are linked to ongoing neighbourhood renewal programmes.