THE changing face of Hartlepool has received a ringing endorsement from local residents in a survey.

Most members of Viewpoint 1000, a 1,000-strong citizens' panel set up by Hartlepool Borough Council to consult with local people on a range of issues, said they were happy with the quality of development in the town.

Almost two-thirds of them said they felt recent developments, ranging from housing estates and retail and leisure facilities to industrial and commercial sites, did credit to the town. Only two per cent felt that they didn't.

The survey also found that 91 per cent of panel members felt major developments, such as the marina have helped to improve the image of Hartlepool.

A clear majority of people also felt Hartlepool residents have benefited from new retail and leisure facilities, and 75 per cent said they believed these facilities had encouraged people to come into the town from outside.

Paul Magee, the council's director of environment and development, said: "It is quite common for visitors to the town and people returning after some time away to make favourable comments about the appearance of the town.

"It is really pleasing that, judging by this Viewpoint 1000 survey, many people actually living in the town appear to share their views."