A STRIP of land has been nominated for the title of the worst waste of space in Britain.

Residents say views from the derelict site on Kilton Lane, in Brotton, are some of the best in Britain and have nominated it as part of a nationwide campaign by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment to find the country's most wasted spaces.

However, there are now hopes that the site's appearance is about to improve.

The land at Brotton has been used by fly-tippers and drug addicts in recent months, according to Cabe, and residents want it landscaped with picnic tables and information about the views.

Resident Sue Baldwin, who nominated the site, said: "If it could happen, it would be lovely.

"Hopefully this will give the council the extra push and we can get something done."

The deputy chairman of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Dave Fitzpatrick, is keen for the project to go ahead so long as the safety of pedestrians crossing the busy Brotton and Skelton bypass to reach the site can be assured.

He said: "When I saw the spectacular view out over Teesside and the Durham coast, as far as Sunderland forty miles away, I was convinced it was a good idea."

The council does not own the site, but is responsible for it after taking possession three years ago as part of acquisitions for the Skelton and Brotton by-pass.

A council spokesman said: "Any plans to develop the land would need to address serious concerns over access, which at this stage are considered to be inappropriate and dangerous."

Other nominations include the Town Moor in Newcastle, which residents would like to see turned into a park like Hampstead Heath, the Pasmore Pavilion and surrounding area at Peterlee, east Durham, and a demolition site in Londonderry Road, Stockton.

The UK's worst wasted space will be announced on October 17. To nominate an area, visit the web site www. wastedspace. org. uk