A MAVERICK helicopter pilot has sparked an investigation in East Cleveland.

The craft has been seen doing take-offs and landings from Saltburn cricket ground in a built-up area of the town. People living nearby have raised concerns and these are being taken up with air safety bosses.

That assurance was given by Redcar and Cleveland Council leader, Coun David Walsh, who is worried by the potential for a disaster. He said: "I will be getting in touch with our council's planning department to see what the view is and aslo Teesside Airport to check with the Civil Aviation Authority to see if these flights are authorised.

"Both Skelton and Saltburn have a lot of over-flying jets and radar training flights over the sea from Teesside Airport. But there is housing with schools all around and it seems very unusual.''

Local resident Sybil Wells, 74, said: "It is not a heli-pad, it is just a sports field with houses all around it and two schools. It is not the sort of thing you want in a built-up area.''

"My children are well past being at school, but I would not like to have a child at a school with the risk of this thing crashing down on top. And I have my own house to think about.''

John Bond, secretary of Saltburn Cricket Club, had no information about the flights. "As far as I am concerned they have nothing to do with the club,'' he said, adding that the club might launch its own investigation.

Questions were asked about helicopter take-offs and landings being practised in the same area, five years ago.