WORK to remove a mass of contaminated silt from Scarborough Harbour got under way yesterday.

The grid area of the harbour next to Vincent's Pier will be freed of the silt, which is contaminated with traces of Tributyltin, a bi-product found in paints and used to prevent unwanted growths on the underside of boats.

Changing environmental regulations have outlawed the paints because of the possible harm to some crustaceans.

Although not harmful to health, the contaminants cannot be dumped further out to sea, as other silt can, but will have to be taken away.

Once the silt is removed, more dredging will be possible in the area, opening up the opportunity for better use of the area.

Councillor Michael Pitts, borough council cabinet member for harbours, said: "It is a project that should have been undertaken in the spring.

"But it has been delayed due to obtaining the various consents and securing the correct plant and equipment to undertake the work in a manner which will cause the minimum disruption to the public and harbour users."