Empty and boarded up houses used to be a common sight on Central Estate in Hartlepool, but now all 369 properties are in use.

And any prospective residents have to join a waiting list.

The turnaround is being credited to a partnership between local residents and the estate's management company.

Residents first worked with Hartlepool Council, and then Housing Hartlepool, the not-for-profit company that took over the running of the town's council stock in 2004.

Teamwork

Residents have joined a management board to influence how the estate is run, and take part in three monthly "walk-abouts" with estates officers to identify problems.

Liz Torley, a board member said: "The board gives residents more say over where money is spent.

"As residents we understand the area's needs and the issues it faces, so we are in a good position to know what needs to be done to improve the lives of people living on the estate."