A Tyneside council is ploughing more than £100 million into construction jobs this year giving a boost to the industry.

The plan has been unveiled by North Tyneside Council as part of the 10 year Strategic Investment Plan – totalling £680 million – and a further £112 million being spent on new sheltered housing for older people.

Mayor John Harrison said: “In this difficult economic climate we are leading the way and continuing with our investment ambitions to deliver the projects that help boost the construction industry, grow the borough economy and deliver a better quality of life for residents."

Among the biggest projects within the SIP is the Building Schools for the Future programme, which subject to final approvals, total £216 million over the next 10 years.

A total of £161 million is to be invested over the next 10 years in the council's housing stock, including new doors and windows, taking them above the Decent Homes standard.

If a council bid for £150 million of central Government funding is successful, a further 1,000 new affordable homes will be built in the Wallsend area.

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