TRAINEES from east Durham have taken their first steps onto the ladder of a career in building thanks to a new project.

The initiative supported by East Durham Area Action Partnership, East Durham Homes and Kier aims to improve the appearance of communities, while at the same time providing job opportunities for young people living in Peterlee.

In 2008 a consultation carried out by East Durham Homes addressed issues surrounding the general appearance and neglect of the external parts of the Braithwaite and Matterdale areas. The consultation aimed to increase residents’ satisfaction in the areas in which they live.

East Durham Homes, responsible for all-council owned homes in east Durham area, successfully achieved a two-star rating in 2009, and was able to access the additional decent homes cash from central government to ensure all homes meet the decent homes standard.

As well as improving peoples homes, East Durham Homes was able to allocate £160,000 from its improvement funding to the project to match fund a £168,000 contribution from Durham county councillors.

Young trainees from the local area have been drafted in to undertake the work - a stipulation by councillors Audrey Laing, Gordon Tennant, Barbara Sloan and Ralph Liddle from whose budget the funding came from.

East Durham Area Action Partnership is supporting the project and a range of traineeships have been supported including youth work, engineering and the environment.

Councillor Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: "This is a fantastic project which provides support right where it’s needed.

"A helping hand on to the job ladder is even more valuable now than it ever has been and gives these trainees a brilliant start to their careers."

Works will be managed by East Durham Homes and carried out by Kier and Durham County Council’s Direct Services will be responsible for street lighting.