A DIRECTOR of a chaos-hit regeneration forum has expressed confidence that its problems can be resolved.

A meeting including directors, local councillors, clergy, and volunteers was held to discuss the financial problems dogging the South Bank Community Forum, Teesside.

After an internal audit by the area's Single Regeneration Budget managers identified "a number of systems and financial problems", Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council was drafted in to ensure the continuation of vital regeneration programmes. Following the latest meeting, Pearl Hall, a forum director, said that the situation had yet to be resolved.

But she expressed confidence that it would be if Barbara Whitby, the chief executive who is currently absent due to sickness, returned to work.

She said: "If Barbara gets back, she will hopefully be able to sort things out. I think that would make a big difference."

She added: "I know that a lot of people have left, but a lot of good people have replaced them. I have no doubt that it will be sorted out.