A CLEAN-UP is poised to start at a disused cokeworks site prior to redevelopment.

The former Lambton Cokeworks, on the Sunderland and County Durham boundary, between Burnmoor and Shiney Row, has remained derelict since closure in 1984.

Although ovens and other buildings were demolished within months, the ground is believed to be polluted by residues from coke working.

But as part of a Government-backed restoration of former coalfield sites, an environmental project is planned by English Partnerships in conjunction with Sunderland City Council.

The council welcomes the clean-up on what it believes is among the North-East's most contaminated sites.

It will pave the way towards construction of a further stretch of a proposed link road between Houghton-le-Spring and Washington, with benefits for surrounding industrial estates.

A council spokesman said: "Progress on reclamation will clear the way for development of the road project, which is going through the planning stage.

"As well as reducing traffic congestion, the road link will lead to the release of land for housing and the potential for job creation at Dubmire and Sedgeletch industrial estates, as well as at Rainton Bridge."

A well-preserved wooden wagonway, which preceded the steam era, may be preserved.

It carried coal from pits to staithes on the River Wear, but has remained relatively intact under layers of mud.

Enthusiasts would like to develop the wagonway as an industrial heritage-working attraction.