PEOPLE in an east Cleveland town are to petition a utilities company over plans to change the sewerage system.

It follows an open day in Marske on Tuesday when Northumbrian Water engineers were on hand to explain proposals for storage tanks to hold excess storm water during heavy rainfalls.

But residents, who have been complaining about the stench from the sewers and the amount of sewage on the beach, say the proposals will ruin local beauty spots and believe there are more eco-friendly alternatives.

A petition is being organised to show the company the extent of opposition to the scheme. Organisers will be collecting signatures in the town centre square, on Saturday.

Organiser Mike Findlay said: "We have decided to start a petition to see what we can do.