A NEW 24-hour free phone has been set up to give updates on conditions at Loftus Bank.

Recent heavy rain has forced a series of overnight closures of the Bank, amid fears of continuing ground movement.

Redcar and Cleveland council has set up the line - 0800 1697031 - which will be updated every four hours. The council plans to keep it operational throughout the contract works, expected to end in late summer.

Bad weather has delayed the work, probably by about two weeks, creating quagmire conditions in the area.

Interim measures to stabilise the top of the bank are ready to be implemented, but the muddy slope is preventing progress.

As soon as it dries out, some temporary stabilisation work will be done at the top of the bank and the slope.

Problems have beset the area since Loftus bank was hit by a landslip in February 1999.