COUNCIL officials are to survey homes in Hartlepool to prepare for a major improvements programme.

About 850 houses will be looked at and tenants are currently being infor-med when the survey will take place.

A specialist firm of surveyors will carry out the checks which will begin next Monday and finish on March 9.

The randomly selected Hartlepool properties include flats, family homes and sheltered accommodation.

Anyone having a survey done will also be entered into a £100 prize draw.