A TOTAL of £450,000 is to be spent providing much-needed yacht berths in Scarborough's historic harbour.

Scarborough Borough Council's head of engineering, John Riby, says there is a long waiting list for berths, and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has agreed to back the plan.

Mr Riby said: "It will be a great opportunity and is seen as the catalyst for further investment in the harbour and old town area with additional economic benefits."

A feasibility study is to be carried out for on-shore facilities to complement the berthing complex, which is to be built in the inner harbour.

Three firms have shown an interest in developing the pontoons - Solent Marine, based in Southampton, Varis Engineering, of Forres, in Scotland, and Construction Marine, of Leeds.

The scheme will include dredging of the harbour to maximise the water available at the berths, Mr Riby said.

He added that Scarborough council will have to find match-funding for the plan of £208,00.