Improving adult participation in sport and the number of 16 to 18-year-olds in education, training or employment are also among the key targets for the town.

The targets are part of new local area agreements between local authorities and central government, which pledge resources, time and effort to tackle local challenges.

Every council has now agreed its own set of priorities, working with organisations such as the police and Jobcentre Plus.

Joanne Smithson, of the Hartlepool Partnership, said the agreements are part of a wider 15-year community strategy, designed to make the town a better place to live.

She said: "Local area agreements are our priorities to take forward over the next three years.

"The key way to delivering these goals is through the work of the Hartlepool Partnership – a group chaired by the mayor which brings together people who provide services with those who use services.

"It's really about looking at what we do and trying to do it better and quicker."

Authorities in Hartlepool have also pledged to clear the town's streets of litter, improve recycling and the employment rate, and encourage more people to reach higher levels of education.

Stopping smoking, reducing child poverty and improving use of libraries and museums are also key priorities.

Miss Smithson said improving the health of people in Hartlepool is central to many of the priorities set out in the agreement, and encouraged residents to take part in the current health service consultation.

MP Hazel Blears, secretary of state for communities and local government, said: "If knowledge is power, then this is more power to local people.

"They will be able to see exactly what local government and service providers plan to do in their area, check out how well they are doing, and ask questions if they have not delivered."

To take part in the consultation about health services in Hartlepool go to www.momentum-consultation.org.uk and for more information about the town's local area agreement go to www.localpriorities.communities.gov.uk