WORKS of art which have divided a seaside town have been given the go-ahead.

Yesterday, councillors agreed to the installation of two 12ft stainless steel sculptures at Saltburn, at a cost of £23,000.

A figure of Saltburn's founding father, Henry Pease, will now be put up on Marine Parade - near a convalescence home his family built.

And a sculpture representing the town's railway history is to be erected near Valley Gardens, built up of artefacts held in a structure made from images of rail signals.

Planning officer Doreen Mealing told a meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council that there had been 35 letters in favour of the proposals and 13 against.

Councillor Arthur Dobson said: "It is about time that we started to get some culture. Our borough is so bland.

"These will get conversation going. The people who have objected do not like change."

Councillor John Robinson said: "Never has a town been so divided as Saltburn has been on this issue.

"But, if the statues are vandalised - as they may well be - who will pick up the bill?"

Councillor Dave McLuckie said: "I am disappointed at people thinking we should not put these pieces of modern art in Saltburn because they could be vandalised.

"When we stop doing things for that reason then the vandal has won the day. I for one won't be giving in.

"I do not like these figures, but most people in Saltburn are in favour. We must never bow to those who seek to destroy things we do.

"The only way to beat them is to continue to put right their wrongs."