Almost 20 new computer centres will be available in Hartlepool

A total of 18 Community Training and ICT Centres are to be set up in Hartlepool as part of a major drive to improve training and skills for local people.

The project has been hailed as one of the best town-wide systems in the country.

It will ensure every resident of the Brus, Dyke House, Jackson, Owton, Rossmere, St Hilda, Stranton wards - and parts of Fens - has access to a centre, which will also have nursery facilities.

The work will involve four schools having community training rooms built and 10 existing ICT centres being expanded.

'Excellent scheme'

Maggie Heaps, adult education co-ordinator of Hartlepool Borough Council said: "These projects will provide very high quality training and ICT facilities for residents of targeted communities in Hartlepool.

"The ICT Centres will all be interlinked and provide internet and online training.

"Hartlepool will have one of the best town-wide systems in the country."

David Slater, Business Group Director at Government Office for the North East said: "This is an excellent scheme, which will allow many more people in Hartlepool to have easy access to IT facilities and to quality training.

"I'm sure it will be welcomed, particularly by parents of young children who will benefit from the nursery provision."

Cash for the project is coming from UK and European sources.