A GLIMMER of hope for a solution in an East Cleveland beach pollution row emerged this week.

An MP has put forward an idea which could solve two problems at a stroke.

Northumbrian Water is now considering a scheme by Redcar MP, Vera Baird, in a bid to defuse controversy over sewage storage tank proposals for Marske.

The company has said it is aiming to deliver a response by early July.

If it is positive, moves could be made to have one strategically-sited storage tank to serve both Marske and Redcar.

Mrs Baird said she was reasonably optimistic about a solution to suit everyone.

The long-running wrangle centres on concerns about sewage spillage and offensive odours on Marske beach.

Residents feared two tanks at The Headlands beauty spot could spark health problems and hit recreational facilities.

Hundreds of people turned up at a public meeting to register their views and NW subsequently scrapped the scheme.

Instead, it proposed sinking tanks at two different locations - Church Howle and The Stray - which also triggered residents' protests.

At a meeting last Friday, NW officials met Mrs Baird and representatives from Redcar and Cleveland council and a campaign group to outline their plans.

Mrs Baird said it became clear that though NW had listened to public opinion and shifted from the idea of a tank on the Headlands, Redcar was also going to be affected sooner than anticipated.

"The first indications of where a tank might be in Redcar were unsatisfactory to us and could be expected to cause an outcry, as in Marske," she said.

The action group MARSKE (Marske Against Raw Sewage and a Klean Environment) has also floated the idea of one tank in a suitable site between the two towns.

"As the company is preparing a feasibility study for Redcar, we asked it to accelerate this to see if there scope for such a solution," said Mrs Baird.

"It was doubtful, but is being quite flexible about all this. The meeting was at times heated but, in the end they listened to the people.

"I am reasonably optimistic that we will come out with a solution acceptable to them and to the people of Marske and Redcar.

"It is a positive development."

MARSKE spokesman John Thompson said residents had waited five months for the meeting with Northumbrian Water.

He said members only knew the approximate locations for the two Marske tanks, but that the plans had already distressed residents.

Mr Thompson said his group would be meeting this weekend to prepare a response to the latest development.

Northumbrian Water spokesman, Andrew Panting, said: "At both Redcar and Marske we have to ensure storm water does not impair the current excellent quality of the bathing water.

"What is being suggested goes against certain Government directives.

"But we have given an undertaking to look at what the MP has proposed and it is too early to say whether it will be feasible or not."