MORE than £800,000 has been secured to improve a gypsy and traveller site in the region.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council were awarded £850,000 from the Government’s Homes and Community Agency to carry out improvements at its South Bank based permanent residential site.

Five new pitches could now be added to the 13 already there and proposals to carry out refurbishment work will also benefit the site.

Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal said: “We are really pleased to have secured this funding from the HCA as it will enable further development and upgrading of the Gypsy and Travellers site, securing its long term future."

“This initiative will make a real difference to the travelling community as well as help reduce unauthorised sites."

The council will consider how the funding will be used at a Cabinet meeting to be held on Tuesday January 29.