new housing, planning and regeneration minister Sally Keeble made her first visit to the North-East yesterday.

The MP visited Hartlepool and Middlesbrough to see how regeneration and housing projects are working with community groups to tackle the problems of some of the poorest neighbourhoods in the region.

Ms Keeble visited semi-derelict homes in Middlesbrough and heard residents' views of and aspirations for the areas they live in.

She toured Whinney Banks and heard how a project of neighbourhood wardens is improving the environment and reducing the fear of crime.

The wardens act as a deterrent to criminals, as well as reporting suspicious incidents to the police.

In Hartlepool, Ms Keeble attended a workshop in the Belle Vue Sports Centre, where residents suggested ways in which social deprivation in their neighbourhood could be addressed.

She was also taken on a tour of the area, where residents pointed out specific problems.