A PROJECT which aims to fix and lease empty homes on Teesside is helping disadvantaged job-seekers learn vital skills to improve their chances of finding work in the construction sector.

Redcar-based regeneration and housing company Coast & Country has joined forces with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Community Campus 87 and East Cleveland Youth Housing Trust in an empty homes initiative.

The partnership, funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), aims to complete 10 properties in its first year with another 10 the following year.

Under the scheme, supported by £250,000 investment from the HCA, landlords in the Redcar and Cleveland area with homes that have been unoccupied for a long time are being offered a package of refurbishment work in return for leasing the property to Coast & Country.

As part of the agreement, nine people have been offered places to train with mentors to refurbish the properties.

Now the first property at Park Terrace in Brotton has been completed, with two more in Marske under renovation, which includes fitting kitchens and bathrooms and wallpapering and painting and decorating.

Iain Sim, Coast & Country chief executive, said: “The project demonstrates how agencies can work successfully in partnership to make a positive impact in the community.”

Michael McCorry, from Grangetown, became one of the project trainees.

The 22-year-old said: “The extra training and skills I’m picking up are helping to build my confidence.”