The Strategy Area would be a focus for major investment over the next few years.

It includes some demolition and is being considered for:

• Funds for grant aided. improvements to older properties in the area.
• The continuation of the Neighbourhood Housing officer.
• The establishment of a multi- agency presence in the area to liaise with the local community and oversee the improvement process..
• Investment in crime prevention and security measures that may include lighting.Environmental improvements .
• Projects and initiatives to involve and engage young people in the area.

The main cause for concern has been the living conditions in the streets between Hylton and Ford Streets, North of Sunderland Road (area indicated above).

This area has been blighted by various problems such as anti- social behaviour, criminal activity and drug taking. Some landlords have also failed to manage their properties responsibly. The result is that many residents have concerns about dereliction and a real fear of crime.

This spiral of decline has also resulted in falling property values, declining owner occupation levels, increasing vacancy levels, high resident turnover and increasing abandonment of properties.

The Sunderland Road Strategy aims to halt this decline and stop the problems spreading.