A LEGACY of plans to prevent a Nazi invasion of Britain 60 years ago is posing a problem for builders working on a leisure development.

Investigations are to be carried out after a check on land near Redcar seafront discovered underground anomalies that could be undiscovered mines.

During the Second World War, the 35-acre area known as the Coatham Enclosure was part of Britain's defences against a possible Nazi invasion force landing along the North-East coast.

The site was turned into a coastal defence area filled with trenches and concrete bunkers.

As a first line of defence, part of the area was laid with land mines.

After the end of the war, mine detectors and specialist soldiers were sent in to clear the area.

They believed the Coatham Enclosure had been made free of danger.

However, advances in scanning equipment have allowed experts to carry out a much more thorough sweep.

The investigation was ordered as part of proposals by Persimmon Homes to build homes and leisure facilities on the site.

Now, after discussions with experts from the Ministry of Defence and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the developers have begun an operation to establish more information about the make-up of the soil at Coatham Enclosure.

The council said that safe working procedures were being used, operating under MoD guidelines and with advice from specialist consultants, to allow any necessary disposal of mines.

Almost 170 letters are being delivered to nearby residents and businesses, informing them that the work, involving drilling rigs and excavators, will start on Monday, with an expected completion date of Saturday, September 4.

The council says it could involve areas being cordoned off, but that there would be no working on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30.

Notices explaining the process are being posted in main council offices and libraries.

Councillor Vera Moody, the council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "I am absolutely confident that all the necessary safeguards are in place.

"There will be a lot of people who remember the site during the war and will understand how careful we need to be before any development work can start."

Persimmon's blueprint, which features homes and leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, is to be submitted to the council as a planning application later this year.

The development forms the major part of a plan to create a new leisure destination in Redcar and put the town back on the map as a visitor attraction.

Officials believe quality attractions and leisure facilities will help to recapture the energy and vitality of the area, drawing people back into the town.