THE dismantling of old ships may be an unpleasant enterprise. But it is a necessary one.

And it is surely preferable that such complex and potentially dangerous tasks are conducted by skilled people in fully-equipped yards.

The controversy which followed the arrival of the so-called 'ghost ships' in Hartlepool was not prompted by doubts over Able UK's ability to carry out the work.

Concerns arose over the credibility of planning permissions and the relatively limited level of consultation about the contract.

While it has been far from ideal for the ships to remain, with a question mark hanging over their fate, the passage of time has allowed detailed and constructive consultations to take place.

From the Government, at long last, there is emerging a strategy on the recycling of ships and the establishment of a specialist centre.

With its traditional involvement in maritime industries, the North-East is well-placed to bid to be the site for such a centre.

It has the facilities and the skilled labour force to be trusted with the onerous responsibilities to carry out the work.

The economic benefits cannot be overlooked. Because of the level of investment and potential number of jobs involved, it is a project the region should support fully.

The overriding consideration, of course, still remains that the environmental impact must be fully investigated and that the highest possible safeguards on safety and pollution are reached.