IMPROVEMENTS to a popular seaside resort have now been completed.

The first phase of work around Seaton Carew's art deco bus station has seen the road widened and resurfaced and the area made more accessible and attractive to potential investors.

Behind the bus station, the existing paved area around the grass has been resurfaced with new high-quality paving and a granite trim. Access to the site has been enhanced, and disabled access will also be improved within the next few weeks.

Hartlepool Borough Council said it had created a neat, smart environment to encourage future development, including the possibility of a high-quality ice cream parlour.

The plans are part of the Seaton Carew tourism strategy, which has been devised by the council through public consultation and with help from the Seaton Carew Renewal Advisory Group.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, who is the council's portfolio holder for regeneration and liveability, said: "Seaton Carew is a much-loved seaside destination for people of all ages and I am delighted to see the completion of the first stage of these latest important improvements.

"The area around the bus station is being revitalised and offers really exciting potential for future development."

The improvements have been funded from various sources, including regional development agency One NorthEast via the Tees Valley Partnership, and the European regional development fund, Interreg.

The council is also bidding for money from a range of sources to carry out extensive restoration of the bus station itself, which is viewed as a key building in the resort.