A PROMINENT protestor against a £55m seafront development has received an arson threat, warning him to drop his campaign.

Comic Chris McGlade has rallied for support from Redcar residents opposed to the Coatham Enclosure, which will see 285 houses and a £22m leisure development built.

But after dropping leaflets around the area at the weekend, Mr McGlade was warned to stop his campaign or his home would be burned down.

A concerned Mr McGlade, who was born and raised in the seaside town, said: "It knocked me sideways but I feel so passionately about this project. All I want is what's best for Redcar."

He told how he had been posting leaflets on Sunday and as he returned home, he received a call on his mobile phone. He said: "It was a man and he said 'if you don't back off I'll burn your house down'. I stopped the car and was sat there shell-shocked.

"I immediately called the police. I was given an incident number and told to report any further calls."

Despite the shock, Mr McGlade has vowed to carry on his fight against Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which says the scheme is vital for the town's future.

"If I don't carry on then I am giving in to them. I started this because I love my town," he said.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said yesterday: "We are aware of an alleged threat made against Mr McGlade and we have advised him accordingly.

"The information will be kept on file."

Mr McGlade has collected thousands of signatures in a petition and held two public meetings, attended by hundreds of people opposed to the development.

Mr McGlade wants to see the area used for leisure with no housing.

Rock star Sting has also expressed his support in an e-mail to Mr McGlade, recalling his memories of the town.

If approved, the scheme would see Persimmon Homes pay the council £5.6m for the land. The council would then hope to secure funding from other sources to finance leisure facilities, including a pool and visitor centre.