A CAMPAIGN to stop storage tanks being built near an east Cleveland beauty spot has received a double boost.

Councillors and a local MP told Northumbrian Water that any storage tank scheme in Marske must meet residents' concerns.

The moves came as members of an action group claimed they were being sidelined by the water company.

But Northumbrian Water insisted it is considering alternative options put forward by the group.

Campaigners say the tanks scheme would devastate the Headlands beauty spot and that it is too close to homes.

In December, the water company staged a meeting to gauge local opinion and hundreds of people turned up to register their fears.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council called for talks with the company and a 90-minute meeting has taken place, involving council leader David Walsh and chief executive Colin Moore.

A council spokesman said the talks were very constructive.

He said: "We will be looking for a solution that meets both technical requirements and the real concerns of residents," he said.

John Thompson, chairman of Marske Against Raw Sewage - Klean Environment (Marske) said: "We don't know what is going on. The water company is trying to ignore us."

"The group has submitted a plan for holding tanks on The Stray, away from homes and aimed at minimum impact on the beauty spot."

He welcomed the show of support from the council and Redcar MP Vera Baird, who has met the water company about the proposals.

Northumbrian Water spokesman Andrew Panting warned that the further the tanks were moved, the higher the risk of complications.

"We still feel our original proposal is the best, but locally and politically it was unacceptable, so now we are looking at alternatives," he said.