SEVEN crime-hit North-East estates will be handed at least £10,000 each to deter muggers and vandals by redesigning their neighbourhoods.

The schemes are among 88 across the country that will share a £1.2m pot under the Government's 'Operation Gate-It' initiative.

Communal spaces, such as grassed areas and alleyways, that have been out of bounds for scared residents will be given makeovers to make them safer and more attractive.

One project in Stanley, which will see overgrown gardens cleared and barriers put in to stop cars, which is now in its second year, will receive £40,000, while the other six new schemes will each receive £10,000.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said it was "completely unacceptable" that local residents should feel too intimidated to make use of such communal areas.

She added: "By reinvesting in these areas, through better design, lighting or simply gating them off, local people are able to reclaim these spaces for themselves and their children and so drive out the anti-social minority.

"This builds up pride and confidence in communities and shows that people taking a stand can really make a difference."

All the projects will be managed by the environmental charity Groundwork UK and delivered in partnership with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).