A PUBLIC consultation on the future of an east Cleveland village began yesterday.

People are being asked for their views on a consultants' report into how best to preserve Kirkleatham, near Redcar.

The report suggests creating a multi-million pound museum in a former stables and selling Kirkleatham Hall Museum, a former school, to a hotel chain. Both buildings are Grade II listed and date from the 18th Century.

Other ideas include a wildlife trail, restoring the village green, building new homes, converting a nursery into a garden centre and street furniture.

Conservation and design manager Alan Adams said: "There are a number of issues to consider before we can make hard and fast decisions on this report.

"What we will really value are the opinions of the public."

Residents are urged to visit the museum or Redcar Library before November 1 to find out more and give their views.

Alternatively, people can visit the website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uK