THE consultation period over controversial proposals for ghost ships to be dismantled in the North-East has been extended.

Hartlepool Borough Council has received further information from Able UK regarding the proposed development of its Graythorp yard at Teesport.

Able UK has provided the information in response to comments made during public consultation earlier this year on a previous batch of additional information that the company had submitted on its plans.

As a result, a further period of public consultation is now under way to enable people to find out more about these latest details and to give any views on them.

Able UK's main planning application seeks permission to construct, repair, refurbish and decommission old ships, vessels and other craft at its Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre facility, and also proposes dredging works within the dock basin.

Two alternative schemes for installing a dry enclosure where work can be carried out - a cofferdam - have also been submitted.

However, the plans have met with some opposition from residents and environmental groups, who fear the work could be detrimental to the area, which is a haven for wildlife.

The latest additional information submitted by Able UK relates largely to the impact of the dredging proposals.

CDs containing the extra information are available from Hartlepool council's development control section, at Bryan Hanson House, in the town's Lynn Street, for £2 per CD.

The information can also be viewed by calling at the offices during normal office hours - no appointment is required.

Comments about the information supplied by Able UK should be submitted in writing by Friday, May 12, to the development control section at the above address.

Further information is available by calling (01429) 523004.