A PLAN to build an advertising hoarding on a main route into Hartlepool has been approved despite objections.

The hoarding will be on the site of the former Stranton Bingo Hall, on the A689, opposite the Cameron's Brewery.

The hall has been demolished and the site, which is now grassed, has become a rubbish dump.

Objectors to the plan feared that if the hoarding was approved, it would encourage further fly-tipping and distract drivers.

The plan was discussed by members of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee this week.

Councillor Stan Kaiser said: "This is a tip and not just building debris, all sorts including prams. It is a mess and we need to have guarantees the hoarding will not hide an even bigger tip.