AN environmental group has organised two meetings to discuss the possibility of a "super ship" breaking yard in the region.

An international dispute about bringing US Navy so-called ghost or toxic ships to Able UK's Graythorpe yard, near Hartlepool, will also be discussed.

The site has been touted in British Government and European Union reports as a possible venue as a large breakers' yard for the world's ageing oil tanker fleet.

The Hartlepool branch of Friends of the Earth has arranged the public meetings at The Staincliffe Hotel, in Seaton Carew, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday's meeting will examine Able UK's planning application to install facilities which will allow ship dismantling at its Graythorpe yard.

The meeting starts at noon and will include a guest speaker from the regional branch of Friends of the Earth.

Wednesday's meeting will look at concerns about the disposal of asbestos and other materials arising from the dismantling of the ships. The meeting takes place between 11am and 1pm.

A number of planning and legal issues must be dealt with before Able UK is allowed to us the yard for dismantling ships.

For more information on these meetings, contact Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency on (01429) 262641.