ARSENIC green would be a nice colour for Yarm Town Hall's interior, a councillor suggested during a talk on colour schemes.

White was too clinical said some, while others said the warm pinks of new-look Stokesley Town Hall were just the thing.

Yarm Town Hall is set for a facelift and the discussion at the latest town council meeting might have made Laurence Llewellyn Bowen's eyes water.

Coun Eric Turton suggested arsenic green and some of his colleagues smiled, apparently unsure whether he was serious or ironic.

The atmosphere between members has, at times, been poisonous and Yarm councillors have a reputation for heated debate.

However, their creative juices were flowing during this particular discussion and it remained harmonious.

"Arsenic green was very popular Georgian colour," said Coun Turton.

"Green?" asked chairman Coun Liz Marsden.

"If it's white, it'll be knocked and battered after a while," warned Coun Gwen Porter.

Perhaps the civic society could put its mind to the matter, suggested Coun Turton, and come up with an appropriate colour.

"Chocolate brown has already been suggested," said Coun Marjorie Simpson.

"So has duck blue," said the chairman.

"We had the church done and it's wonderful," said Coun Jake Dale. "Professionals can give great advice which I don't think we're fit to decide. Before we do it, we should at least ask someone who knows about public buildings."

"But they might say the wall should have been done a different colour," said an anxious Coun Porter.

The chairman suggested the council get a sample of arsenic green and other colours to compare with the town hall carpet.

"We want a decent colour. The last was terrible. We want proper colours," emphasised Coun Simpson.

Coun Bob Stevenson said the civic society should be asked out of politeness, which was agreed.

Coun Dale said computer illustrations showing different colour schemes could be produced.

Feedback was sought for the next meeting and the chairman was keen to see progress as soon as possible.