IT'S not quite up, up and away for Harry Meckiffe, yet... but he has high hopes of trading next month.

Mr Meckiffe is fitting out a unit in a problem-plagued seafront building - as a kite shop.

Discussions are also going on with a second tenant, to open a caf and restaurant in Saltburn's £570,000 Foreshore Building, built three years ago, but never opened because of damp problems.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which took over management of the building and completed repairs to it, says it is pleased to reported continued progress in ensuring the building will soon be open for business.

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, the council's cabinet member for tourism, said: "We had been a little over-optimistic that the building would be open for the public by Easter, but we can report continuing progress.

"After all the false starts and disappointments that have been out of the council's control, I am delighted it is going to be open for business. I wish the new establishments well and hope they will get the support of the public.''

The building is at the centre of a legal wrangle and Coun Fitzpatrick is on record for saying proceedings would be taken against the builders and/or the architects involved in its construction.

The builder involved says he refutes any suggestion that his company has any liability.