A SCHEME to bring a bit of greenery to an industrial corner of Teesside was launched by the town's MP and the Countryside Agency yesterday.

With tree-planting and landscaping, they hope the £30,000 initiative will improve the look of the Fairfields area of Middlesbrough and encourage investment for regeneration.

Security fencing and art work will add the finishing touches for the community of travelling show people who have lived near the rundown business park at Lawson Road for more than 90 years.

It is part of a bigger plan to breathe new life into previously derelict urban wastelands and deprived neighbourhoods in the North-East.

Regional director for the Countryside Agency Huw Davies said: "It is about using trees and greenery to get areas to look a bit better and attract businesses that will help them develop."

He added: "It is also for the people in the community, and should create a secure environment that does not suffer from vandalism and graffiti.

"This will create an area where people can relax, walk their dogs as well as take pride and make a connection with their community."

Mr Davies said people were more likely to go out and take light exercise if they live in a pleasant environment.

Studies have shown that people tend to be less stressed and more able to look after their neighbourhood if they have access to nature and wildlife. Trees also have a positive impact by cleaning the air and trapping particulates, a common air pollution problem in urban environments.

Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell said: "We can really improve people's living and working environment, and consequently their health and well being through environmental regeneration.

"In addition, the planting of trees and greening of urban areas are vital to attracting inward investment and in turn economic regeneration."

Fly tipping, dog mess and arson are some of the problems Fairfields residents have had to endure for many years.

The project is funded by Neighbourhood Renewal, Middlesbrough Council's Culture and Community Fund, the Countryside Agency and building firm Jewsons.

Work is being supported by North Ormesby 2001 and the Middlesbrough React project.