A LONG-awaited scheme to redevelop a derelict pool complex at one of the region's leading resorts has finally started.

The site at South Bay, Scarborough, has been labelled the North Yorkshire town's worst eyesore for years and the pool, which opened in 1915, has been a target for vandals since it closed 14 years ago.

But now a £1.2m scheme has begun to fill in the pool using thousands of tons of rubble from demolished houses on the town's Edgehill estate and the former St Mary's Hospital.

A temporary landing platform is being built at the Aquarium Top slipway to allow trucks to get to the site.

The scheme, which involves major landscaping and creating a new area for holiday-making families, is expected to be completed by August.

The contract for the work, which is being funded largely by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has been awarded to Newcastle company Edmund Nuttall, which is already carrying out the sea defence work at Scarborough's Marine Drive.

Future ideas for the prime site, south of the Spa, include creating an outdoor leisure facility for holidaymakers, especially children.