Saltburn improvement company is to submit fresh applications for permission to erect two sculptures which have been the subject of controversy.

At its recent meeting, two new sites were suggested, and there was also an update about the new seafront sports centre and caf. Both projects are part of a £2m investment scheme.

The 9ft sculptures, costing more than £20,000 and relating to Saltburn history, were designed by artists Hilary Cartmel and Michael Johnson. Supporters argue they are of high artistic quality and in keeping with the wider growth of public art in the North-East. Critics claim they are aesthetically poor and unsuitable for the setting.

One sculpture depicts Henry Pease, the Darlington industrialist, philanthropist and Quaker, who founded the resort. The other contains railway artefacts to reflect the important role of the railways in the growth of Victorian Saltburn.

Last week, improvement company directors held talks with representatives of Redcar and Cleveland council and other funding bodies. Mrs Joan Guy, a director and secretary, said the private meeting had considered two new locations for the sculptures - one near the miniature railway by the valley gardens, and the other at a small untended garden area near Marine Parade.

Speaking this week, Mrs Guy said: "The small garden has really gone to seed. We think that positioning a sculpture there would be the first part of a regeneration scheme for that site. Some time back, planning permission was requested for other sites but some of us were not particularly happy with them, so we will look for planning permission for these new sites.

Speaking about the new seafront building near Saltburn pier, she said: "The builders are working there now and we are relieved this is up and running. The project has been quite draining. Hopefully, the sports centre and caf will be complete by next spring."

Under a rural challenge funding scheme, £1m was raised locally, to be matched by another £1m from external sources. The company, an arm of Saltburn improvement trust, was formed to handle the associated financial dealings and negotiations