RESIDENTS living in a conservation area are reminded they can still apply to be considered for a grant to help renovate their home - before time runs out.

The grants are funded jointly by Hartlepool Borough Council and the North Hartlepool Partnership for people living on the town's Headland.

They will cease when the partnership comes to an end, in March 2007, but they must be applied for well in advance of that.

The grants are open to owner-occupiers in the Headland conservation area and are targeted at one or more of the following:

* Structural repairs;

* Re-roofing and related work;

* Pointing and brickwork repairs;

* Internal improvements and repairs.

To qualify, the applicant may also be required to match the grant amount, depending on the individual circumstances.

John Smalley, the council's principal environmental health officer, who manages the grant scheme, said: "We would still like to hear from any owner-occupiers in the Headland conservation area who feel they may qualify.

"As time is moving on and there is a limit to the money we have available, if people are interested, we would urge them to contact us over the next few months."

Councillor Rob Cook, North Hartlepool Partnership board member, said: "These grants can give people an important helping hand."

For more information, call the grants team at Hartlepool council on (01429) 523319/523328/523329.