A TOWN where one in six residents is over retirement age is working to become more user-friendly for older people.

A task force has been set up in Middlesbrough to look at the needs of disabled older people, as well as personal safety issues, public transport and information about services.

Councillor Brenda Thompson, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "It is very important to see the town from an older person's perspective. I think the work the group is going to carry out will be really useful to public bodies like the council, police and health services and developers and the business community."

Les Southerton, chief executive of the Middlesbrough Town Centre Company, said: "We want to make the town centre attractive to all visitors and customers, and this work will ensure we are fully aware of the needs of the elderly.''

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon is today joining the task force at Middlesbrough railway station for the launch of the investigation.

Dave Punshon, of Age Concern, said: "I would say Middlesbrough station is easily one of the worst in the country in terms of fear of crime and services.

"You cannot get a cup of tea at the station and they have only just opened the newsagents."

He said the underpass linking platforms on either side of the tracks was dirty and threatening.

He also said there were no buses near the station and that with the bus station at the far edge of the town, people with suitcases had to take a taxi.

David Mallender, a spokesman for First Group, which runs the station, said: "We are pleased to welcome the task force to the station and to learn more about the aspirations of older people in Middlesbrough.

"Improvements to the general appearance and upkeep of the station have already been made, and we plan to invest in upgrading waiting accommodation, the subway and station toilets.

"Improvements are also planned for the main entrance hall and ticket office and we will be investing in new information provision and security at the station."