A "SEX on the bench" scandal posed problems for Cleveland planning councillors.

A scheme for a spectators' stand at a sports club came under fire amid complaints of youngsters using the stand for drinking, sex and possibly for drugs.

But while Redcar and Cleveland planning committee sympathised with people living near the New Marske Sports Club, the problems did not persuade members to turn down the application.

Instead, police and community wardens will be asked to monitor the behaviour of young people in a bid to ease residents' misery.

At last Friday's meeting, councillors heard the club wanted to put up a small covered stand to cater for 45 spectators.

But 14 householders objected, saying young people already used the football field for drinking and possibly for drugs.

It was also claimed that a small shelter provided for managers and trainers was used for sex sessions.

"They will use this stand for somewhere to sleep and then go thieving in the village," said one objector

Others claimed not enough people watched local matches to warrant a stand.

Planning officer Doreen Mealing said residents felt the stand would attract more anti-social behaviour. "The club say they are providing a facility to encourage youngsters in a more positive direction," she said.

"If residents say there are already problems, it is hard to see how it could get much worse if we agree to this scheme.

"We want to encourage this type of development and the stand is a good way from homes."

Council leader David Walsh said: "We do want to encourage sports provision. We want to see things like this succeed. It would be a big boost for the club.

"But if 14 people object there are clearly problems there, even if they are not planning issues. We need to tell the community wardens and police what is going in."

Ward Coun Norah Cooney said in recent years local people had had a lot of trouble with young people on the sports field. "I agree we should get the police and wardens involved," she said.

"I support the residents in that they do have problems with a lot of youths gathering. But I agree that we can't go against the application on that basis."

The club is aware of residents' concerns and has written to Cleveland police on the issue.

It is also intended to secure the pitch with a fence at some point.

A club spokesman said: "The club helps to give young people an outlet. If organisations such as this did not exist there would be more hotspots of anti-social behaviour."

The application was approved