The WMNT area is made up of three neighbourhoods – Newport, West Lane and Whinney Banks. It consists of the whole of the Ayresome ward and a small part of the Gresham ward and its north eastern edge joins Middlesbrough town centre.
The area is home to around 9,000 people and over 200 businesses. The neighbourhood has fewer older people and more children than both the Middlesbrough and national averages. This was still the case in 2002, although in line with the Middlesbrough and national averages, the number of children under 16 fell slightly to 24.1% (Middlesbrough 22.4%, national 20%).
The working population was slightly below the national average in 1999, but in 2002 was equal at 61.9%, higher than the Middlesbrough average of 60.7%.
There is a small but significant ethnic minority population who live mainly in the Newport area of the neighbourhood. The proportion of single person households is a little below average, while the percentage of children in lone parent households is well above average.
Despite the strength in our diversity, West Middlesbrough has been economically and socially isolated. Drug problems, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime have affected residents and businesses alike. Housing conditions have also deteriorated in recent years.
In the past, West Middlesbrough had not benefited from any significant regeneration scheme, but with the development of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust and the injection of New Deal for Communities funding, things are changing.
Take a look at our theme pages to find out more about the projects and services that are breathing new life into West Middlesbrough.