RESIDENTS in the Parkfield and Mill Lane areas of Stockton are to have a programme of improvements to their communities thanks to a £10,000 grant secured by the Neighbourhood Management Board.

The project, funded through the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, is a three-month initiative to spruce up the area and generally improve the environment.

It is a joint partnership between the Neighbourhood Management Board and the Housing and Contract Services Department of Stockton Borough Council.

Recreation areas will be targeted in the clean-up operation, with graffiti, rubbish and dog waste removed.

Fly posters are also being removed and the communities will be given a general tidy up in a bid to have an immediate impact on the local environment.

Alex Bain, secretary of Parkfield Residents' Association, said: "The scheme has just got under way and it is already beginning to have an effect. Residents I have spoken to have given positive feedback."

The scheme will also provide more litter bins around the areas.

Other initiatives in the areas include a large scale household rubbish clearance scheme.

A litter education officer has also been visiting local primary schools to raise awareness of litter issues and change attitudes and behaviour.