WORK has started on a major project to spruce up a popular community centre in north Hartlepool.

The main hall, reception area and social room at West View Community Centre, in Miers Avenue are being refurbished, and its toilets upgraded in the first phase of a three-stage project.

The £180,000 first stage is being funded by the North Hartlepool Partnership, which is using money from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget to improve the area.

The work is also being supported by additional funding from Hartlepool Borough Council.

Derek Gouldburn, North Hartlepool Partnership manager said: "The community centre is very popular and well-used, but it is an old building which needs improvements to help it meet the demands of the future."

The improvement plans were drawn up after detailed consultation with local people and groups which use the centre.

The first phase of the renovation, which is being carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council's direct services organisation together with several subcontractors, will be finished in the spring.

The remaining phases, which will include the development of a computer suite, the integration of the nearby library into the centre, and the creation of a car park, will cost about £600,000 and depend on other funding being obtained