THROUGHOUT the sorry Ghost Ships saga we have called for clarity and careful consideration.

We have not campaigned for or against the vessels coming to Hartlepool. Instead, we have adopted the common sense approach of seeking the fullest examination of all relevant issues before any decision was made.

It is abundantly clear that such an examination did not take place before the ships set sail across the Atlantic.

Yesterday, a High Court judge ruled that the Environment Agency's clearance for the contract to go ahead was flawed.

And next week the same judge may well express reservations about planning permission for the contract.

The rulings from the judge are likely to prompt a detailed study of the environmental impact of demolishing such ships at Hartlepool, and a detailed study of the planning permissions in force at the yard.

These are studies which should have taken place before the ships were allowed to set sail. Government departments, the local authority and Able UK must share responsibility for this debacle.

It is ridiculous that, as proper consideration of the contract is being given, four ships are already berthed at Hartlepool.

The issue is not whether Able has the skills and expertise to dismantle ships. It clearly has. The issue is over whether these particular ships should be dismantled at Hartlepool.

Such a contentious matter deserves the most thorough investigations.

It does nothing for the integrity of our country, and nothing for the image of our region, that this situation has arisen.

As a nation, we pride ourselves as being at the forefront of 'green' issues, preaching the long-term benefits of global environmental standards.

Such a stance looks rather strange when we can allow these ships into our waters without the appropriate permission. This is a lesson we hope others will not follow.