Grainger committed to helping villages.

SINCE 2000, Newcastle-based Grainger plc, the UK's largest quoted residential property owner, has been working closely with the local communities of Widdrington Station and Hadston as part of its continued investment into large-scale regeneration in the North-East.

Its regeneration programme for the Northumberland coastal villages has been instrumental in bringing about positive social, environmental and economic improvements for local residents as Ann Johnson, development surveyor at Grainger, explains: "Grainger is wholly committed to regeneration in the North-East and our work in Hadston and Widdrington to date has really been a catalyst in kick starting the revival of the former coalfield villages.

"We've already carried out a number of projects including the development of new housing and community facilities and we are currently working towards the third phase of new housing in Hadston following the completion of a lengthy public consultation process. I'm pleased to say we've enjoyed the support of local residents and we're of course always keen to involve local people as much as possible in the planning and decision making process for the future of their own communities."

Investing over pounds 70m on land, infrastructure, retail and housing within Widdrington and Hadston, and ploughing over pounds 1m into the community, Grainger has already completed, and is continuing to implement, numerous regenerative projects across the coastal villages. Here is a snapshot look at some of Grainger's work so far... A better living environment Creating a variety of new homes in Widdrington and Hadston, including the provision of 16 environmentally sustainable self-build plots, Grainger has breathed new life into a once run-down area and is about to embark on the third phase of new-build housing at Park View in Hadston. Coupled with the development of a pounds 300,000 community play park in Hadston, which includes a wetland area, and the pounds 30,000 restoration of Stobswood play park in Widdrington, Grainger has worked closely with both residents and Castle Morpeth Borough Council to ensure the needs of local people are well catered for.

Creating employment opportunities Last year Grainger opened four new retail units in Widdrington, including a new home for a local hairdresser who had previously spent more than 25 years cutting hair in a portable building in the village.

Helping reduce crime Earlier this year Grainger helped fund the installation of a new state-of-the-art CCTV system at Hadston shopping centre, working closely with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) - a multiagency initiative involving local police, fire fighters as well as youth and support groups, Grainger donated over half of the funds needed to install the new pounds 8,000 CCTV equipment.

Engaging the community A donation of pounds 3,000 from Grainger was recently given to Hylton Castle North Boxing Club.

Based in Hadston and formed over 20 years ago the club has over 40 members, including two national champions and North- East ABA champion Ian Turnbull.

The funds from Grainger will go towards club running costs and recruiting fresh talent.

CAPTION(S):

HELPING HAND: Ann Johnson of Grainger at Hylton Castle North Boxing Club which received a pounds 3,000 donation from the company.