PLANS to create a multi-million pound museum and sell off the existing one to a hotel chain have been suggested in a new report on preserving an historic village.

A blueprint has been commissioned into the preservation and promotion of Kirkleatham, near Redcar, which has 30 listed buildings.

Ideas include creating a multi-million pound museum in a Grade II listed mid-18th Century stables and selling the current museum - a Grade II-listed school built in 1708 - to a hotel chain.

The consultation report on the future of the village, jointly commissioned by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, English Heritage and regional development agency One NorthEast, is due to be completed on November 4.

As well as the two major proposals a council spokesman said the future of the site could also include creating a wildlife trail, restoring the village green, building new homes, converting a nursery into a garden centre and replacing street furniture.

Phil Philo, council museum curator, said: "The idea to relocate the museum is one we have had for some time.

"We could create a modern interactive museum there with new buildings. We could hold events and exhibit our larger items like our trolley bus and so on.

"It would cost a lot of money but modern museums do cost money. The idea of sticking a few exhibits in a room somewhere is gone."

Conservation and design manager Alan Adams said: "There are a number of issues to consider before we can make hard and fast decisions on this report.

"What we will really value are the opinions of the public."

Residents are urged to visit the museum or Redcar Library before November 1 to find out more and give their views.

Alternatively, people can visit the website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.u