Should we allow Ghost Fleet to dock?

The case for:

Leading figures in the Tees Valley described the outrage over the Ghost Ships as "bandwagon-jumping and scaremongering". Here, three give their views.

Tees Valley Development Company chief executive Neil Etherington said: "We should be celebrating the fact that here in the Tees Valley we have a company and a facility which really is world-class.

"The reason Able has succeeded in winning this contract is that, after looking around the world, the United States Marine Administration concluded the Teesside Environmental Recycling Centre (TERRC) was able to undertake the work to the highest environmental and safety standards.

"There is increasing recognition that handling the disposal of redundant vessels is an international challenge. Anyone who, like me, has seen first hand what goes on in the wrecking yards in developing countries -where ships are literally run up on to the beach and taken apart in the open air with no thought for the environmental or health consequences - knows that things have to change.

"In the Tees Valley, we have both the workforce skills and facilities to provide the best possible solution. It really is time for an end to the scare stories and the horror headlines. Instead we should be looking forward to the prospects of gaining further contracts - and further jobs."

Tees Valley Partnership chairman Alistair Arkley said: "We all recognise the importance of protecting and indeed enhancing our local environment and nobody wants to see a return to the kinds of pollution problems caused by the industrial practices of the past.

"However, at the same time we would be very foolish indeed to underestimate the potential benefits of building on the undoubted expertise in recycling techniques which exists in the Tees Valley.

"The TERRC facility is just one example. It was developed as a centre of excellence for the recycling of redundant marine structures and the awarding of this contract is recognition of its growing international reputation."

Bob Gibson, chairman of the Tees Valley Development Company, said: "I am frankly appalled at some of the headlines and language which has been used by those attempting to create wholly unjustified public alarm.

"Many of those who have jumped on the bandwagon conveniently ignore the realities that across the world there are massive environmental problems caused by the uncontrolled disposal of ships.

"People are killed and injured literally every day as a result of this kind of practices. Is it really being suggested that is better than using the kind of facilities available at TERRC?"

The case against:

Environmental group Friends of the Earth has been one of the most outspoken in opposing the scrapping of former US navy vessels on Teesside. Campaigns director Mike Childs explains why.

Should the ships from the US Ghost Fleet be allowed to be scrapped in Hartlepool? In Friends of the Earth's opinion the answer is no. There are four reasons why we think bringing the boats to the North-East is the wrong thing to do.

First and foremost, international and national law is clear that waste should be dealt with as close to its source as possible. Dragging these ships across the Atlantic and around the British coast is an unnecessary environmental danger which goes against this. In a report to the US Congress the American Marine Administration made it clear that there was enough domestic ship-breaking capacity to deal with these ships.

Secondly, Friends of the Earth is alarmed at the lack of investigation into the environmental risk posed by these ships. The risk of oil leakages and the disturbance caused by breaking up the ships could threaten Hartlepool's internationally protected wildlife and have a devastating impact on local beaches.

Of the 13 ships earmarked for disposal in Teesside, nine have been listed as having a high risk of hull leakage. They are carrying over half a million tonnes of oil and fuel between them. Friends of the Earth is determined to make sure that a proper risk assessment is carried out. We will go to court if necessary.

Thirdly, the lack of consultation with local people in Hartlepool and the surrounding area is totally unacceptable. The official regulators, including the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency, have bent over backwards to get this deal on the road.

It took the intervention of Friends of the Earth and local group Impact to raise this issue in the media and dig out the facts. This just isn't good enough. We firmly believe that the public has a right to participate in decision-making.

Last but not least is the potential impact on the area's desire to attract new, cleaner industries and to boost the North-East's tourist trade.

Millions has been spent in cleaning up the Durham coastline and the Hartlepool marina should provide a new focal point for visitors. The area has been portrayed as a toxic dumping ground for far too long. Improvements have been made, although much needs to be done. The region has fantastic countryside, a number of internationally important wildlife sites and a burgeoning arts scene.

Too many decision-makers lack the foresight and imagination to let the area realise its potential. Yet again, they think that poorest groups in society should put up with the worst environments and the bleakest future.

Friends of the Earth is committed to work alongside the people in Teesside who are fighting these shipments.