ARCHAEOLOGISTS will have the final say on the siting of a gas reduction station at Brotton.

Transco's preferred site for a station to meet demands from new housing and industry has proved controversial. Apart from being in the midst of an area of archaeological interest, there has been considerable local opposition.

Objectors say the adjacent Kilton Thorpe Lane is narrow and claim accidents are frequent.

Members of the borough planning committee also wanted a more environmentally considerate position, but after a site visit, finally gave approval subject to a number of conditions.

The most important of these is that Teesside Archaeology be satisfied it will not interfere with survey work.