AN extra £2.5m in Government cash could come to a Cleveland town - providing council services improve.
Hartlepool Borough Council has pledged to deliver the improvements in key areas after a striking a deal with the Government and immediately receiving £842,000.
The authority has signed a Local Public Service Agreement - a package of performance targets in a range of services agreed between the Government and the council.
A Government spokesman said the deal will lead to easing of red tape to help the council deliver improvements during the next three years.
Stuart Drummond, the town's mayor, said: "We are delighted to sign up to the agreement. It encourages the council to provide an even better level of service while receiving a financial reward in the process."
To access the money, the council must improve educational standards in schools, improve geriatric care, reduce infant mortality, reduce burglary, increase rubbish recycling and deliver better value for money.
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