A BLACKWOOD housing estate is set to get a facelift if a 635,000 package of improvements is given the go-ahead.

Caerphilly council and Groundwork Caerphilly are planning a scheme which would include a range of improvements on the Penllwyn estate.

A CCTV camera is due to be installed in the area in a bid to address residents' fears about anti-social behaviour.

And work costing 43,000 is also about to start in two areas of the estate with the rest of the scheme subject to funding being identified.

The scheme aims to repair footpaths on the estate, replace some walls with bow-top fencing and rationalise the road layout.

Improving estate boundaries and introducing play equipment and "environmental art" would also be on the agenda.

Public open spaces would also be improved through landscaping, tree planting and by properly maintaining grassed areas.

The council is also considering establishing a community partnership covering the whole estate, introducing CCTV and improving community safety by working with Gwent Police.

Anti-social behaviour orders are also set to be used to tackle unruly behaviour.

Pontllanfraith councillor Gwyn Price said yesterday that councillors have received complaints about anti-social behaviour and that the CCTV camera was being installed on a trial basis during the next fortnight.

"This is an attempt to allay some of the fears of anti-social behaviour there," he said.

He said that 43,000 was being spent upgrading the Edge Hill area of the estate and the area close to the community centre.

"This is the start of the work. The rest is subject to funding," he said.

Councillor Paul Ford, cabinet member for environment and housing, said: "The council is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents in the county borough and has adopted these improvement proposals for the Penllwyn estate.

"We must now consult on the proposals and then formulate a programme of works to be completed as and when funding becomes available."