AN experimental scheme to give residents a greater say in the running of their Hartlepool estate has reached a major milestone.
The Central Estate Neighbourhood Management Initiative has taken shape over the past 18 months, resulting in an Interim Management Organisation (IMO).
Local people have been receiving training from independent consultants Banks of the Wear, and Hartlepool Borough Council, to help prepare them for their role.
Now 16 residents have been appointed to the IMO's board, which is working with council staff to improve the way the estate is run.
An agreement between the council and the IMO has been drawn up, setting out how residents will be involved in dealing with empty properties, tackling anti-social behaviour and improving the repairs service.
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