SCATHING remarks about potential trouble from a scout HQ at a Cleveland school have been criticised by councillors.

Talk of vandalism and rowdyism was appalling, said Coun Garth Houchen.

He told members of Redcar and Cleveland planning committee on Thursday last week: "We are talking about the scout movement for goodness sake. These are young people who have joined to be taught to respect other people and property and yet we have people making such claims."

Councillors heard the remarks had come from objectors to the scheme at Bydales school, Marske.

A petition of almost 100 signatures and 18 letters of objection had been submitted to the council, urging the scheme be refused.

As members voted to approve the application, committee chairman Coun Helen McLuckie said: "I, too, am appalled at some of the comments made about the scouts."

Residents near the school voiced fears about increased noise and traffic, risk of more vandalism and litter and the effect on house prices. The building will be in the grounds of Bydales, facing the Coast Road.

It will provide an activity hall, garage/store and toilets on the ground floor with another activity/dining area kitchen above plus offices and toilets.

The premises will be used for scout meetings Monday to Friday, 6pm-9.15 and not at all at weekends although some activities will be staged on an ad hoc basis.

Occasionally, the building will be used as a "camp" for scouts returning late from hikes.

Planning officers thought many residents' fears stemmed from the original plan submitted last August.

This specified three floors and some dormitory accommodation, leading residents to believe the development would be more than a local cub and scout group.

Now the scheme has been approved, Marske scouts will be able to leave their base behind the Tithe Barn in the High Street for the purpose-built facility.