Some of the most deprived wards in North Tyneside are set to benefit under the latest Local Area Agreement (LAA) 2008–2011.

The strategy aims to close the gaps impacting on the quality of peoples lives by including specific targets focused on the four most deprived wards – Chirton, Howdon, Riverside and Wallsend.

Issues being focused on include stronger communities; safer communities; children and young people; adult health and wellbeing; local economy; environment; and statutory education and early years.

Targets include reducing the proportion of children living in poverty, increasing earnings in the borough, reducing anti-social behaviour, and increasing affordable homes.

Mayor John Harrison, chairman of the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership who developed the LAA, said: "We are proud that our local area agreement has been developed with our partners and our priorities are what local people have told us are important to them.

"We are confident that it will take us closer to our 2030 vision."

The 2030 vision is that the quality of peoples' lives will be above the national average and that no resident of North Tyneside will be disadvantaged simply by where they live.

Officials say the focus and drive for North Tyneside is to close this gap.

For more information on the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership and for a full copy of the Local Area Agreement, visit www.ntsp-online.org