WORK has started on removing the environmental hazard posed by a decaying former Navy minesweeper berthed in the region.

Staff from British Waterways and the Environment Agency yesterday began pumping out the bilges of TS Kellington, moored at the Riverside, in Stockton.

The vessel was sold to local sea cadets by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) ten years ago for £2,000.

They used it as a training ship, but it was later condemned as unsafe and has been unused for several years.

The sea cadets were unable to finance disposal of the ship and the MoD denied responsibility.

Frank Cook, MP for Stockton North, has campaigned for action over the environmental hazards posed by the rotting ship.

He was joined by Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council's executive member for regeneration and transport, and MoD experts to see the remedial work start.

Mr Cook said: "I am pleased that, following my representations to the Defence Minister, Lord Drayson, we have been able to make some progress on solving the problem of the Kellington.

"I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of all concerned, especially British Waterways and the Environment Agency, in enabling this work to be carried out.

"Of course, the long-term answer must be the removal of the Kellington from the riverside and her safe dismantling.

"In the near future, I will be meeting the Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw, to discuss how his department might be able to work with the MoD and other agencies on finding a way forward.

"I will again be emphasising to him that time is not on our side. The Kellington is in a very fragile state and the environmental consequences if it were to sink at its present mooring - not to mention the impact on the river's sporting activities and the plans for the regeneration of the riverside - would be catastrophic."