A ONCE run-down park has been cited as an example of how open spaces can be successfully transformed.

Middlesbrough's Glebe Park was highlighted by Government regeneration minister Yvette Cooper yesterday as she launched an £89m project to revamp neglected parks and open spaces.

Councils are being invited to submit ideas to the Government and they could be rewarded with up to £400,000 in grants to improve such areas.

Three programmes in the North-East will be selected later this year among 27 across the country.

Ms Cooper said improvements to Glebe Park had had a big impact on the local community and she wanted to see other innovative approaches being taken.

The park was for a long time considered a no-go area, frequented only by drug addicts and prostitutes.

But with initial support from Barclays SiteSavers, and in partnership with local residents, Groundwork Middlesbrough led a project to reclaim it and make it safe and accessible. The area was flattened and resurfaced and old trees removed to ensure good visibility from surrounding houses.

New play equipment and seating was installed and trees planted.

A local artist also worked with schoolchildren to design decorative, yet functional features, such as railings, gateways and bollards to prevent joy-riding in the shape of industrial chimneys to reflect the area's proud steelmaking history.

Said Ms Cooper: "For too long, our public spaces have been neglected when people want parks and public spaces that are clean, safe and green.

"We now want to sponsor innovative projects to reclaim our parks and community spaces for everyone to enjoy."

Plans could range from adventure play areas for children, youth shelters for teenagers, more park wardens or better lighting.

The £89m programme was announced in February as part of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's Sustainable Communities Plan.