ESTABLISHING a new multi-million pound museum and selling off a listed building to a hotel chain are two of the ideas put forward in a report that looked at ways of preserving a North-East village.

Details are beginning to emerge of a blueprint commissioned into the preservation and promotion of Kirkleatham, near Redcar, which has 30 listed buildings.

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

The consultation exercise on the future of the village is due to be completed by November 4.

The views and ideas of the public are vital and suggestions have been released to elicit a response.

The report has been jointly commissioned by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, English Heritage and regional development agency One NorthEast.

As well as the two major proposals, a council spokesman said other ideas could include a wildlife trail, the restoration of the village green, new homes, the conversion of a nursery into a garden centre and street furniture.

Major obstacles include the fact that all five of Kirkleatham's Grade I-listed buildings are on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register, while others are in poor condition.

Museum curator, Phil Philo, said: "The relocation of the museum is one idea we have had for some time.

"We could create a modern museum there with new buildings, which could be interactive.

"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."

The council's conservation manager, Alan Adams, urged the public to attend an exhibition planned for the current museum at Kirkleatham Hall between Monday and Friday, November 1.

The council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk also includes details.