THE next phase of a £99m housing redevelopment programme is starting on Teesside.

Over the course of the next year, £6m will be spent improving 526 houses in the Dyke House area of Hartlepool.

The work starts this week with houses and bungalows in and around Pine Grove.

The renovations, which are tailored to each property, will include fitted kitchens and bathrooms, central heating systems, high security outside doors, re-roofing, replacement guttering and repairs to paths and brickwork.

It will be carried out by Wates Construction, which along with Gus Robinson Developments, is a Housing Hartlepool approved partner.

Sylvia Thubron, Housing Hartlepool's head of investment, said: "The start of work in Dyke House marks the next exciting stage in our massive modernisation programme to ensure that all our properties meet the high standards demanded by our residents.

"It will also complement the regeneration work being done in the area by the North Central Hartlepool Partnership."