RESIDENTS are being given the chance to help shape the future of a seaside town.

Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with the Seaton Carew Renewal Advisory Group to produce a tourism strategy, aimed at driving the resort forward.

It is currently in draft form and incorporates eight objectives which are key to the regeneration of Seaton Carew. They are:

* Raising standards of beach and sea cleanliness and improving coastal management.

* Improving accessibility within and into Seaton Carew.

* Maintaining, developing and enhancing the environment and encouraging attractions.

* Enhancing the natural environment.

* Raising the profile and improving the image.

* Developing attractions and events.

* Attracting and encouraging the development of businesses.

* Improving accommodation.

Drop-in sessions will be held for residents to view the proposals at the Staincliffe Hotel, Seaton Carew on Tuesday, from 1pm to 4pm and 5pm to 8pm.

This will be followed by a public meeting, at the same venue, next Wednesday, between 6pm and 8pm.

An exhibition explaining the draft plan will be on view at Seaton Carew Library between May 9 and 16, and at Hartlepool Central Library between May 17 and 23.

There are also 44 individual proposals outlined in the draft blueprint, which include:

* Improving links to the Marina and town centre via a shuttle bus.

* Creating a car park for visitors on Coronation Drive.

* Development of the former fairground site and coach park.

* The re-introduction of lifeguards.

Nicola Foreman, the council's senior regeneration officer, said: "The tourism strategy is important to Seaton Carew as it will help to pave the way for future improvements. We want as many people as possible to participate in the consultation process and everyone's views will be taken into consideration before the document is finalised in the summer.