COUNCIL officials are taking legal advice over the development of a golf club which has been left unfinished for more than four years.

In April 1996, planning permission was granted for a club-house, bars and restaurant and pro-shop to be built at the golf club in High Throston, near Hartlepool.

Although the pro-shop has been completed, only a small amount of the other work has been done.

It is believed a dispute between the owners and the building contractors has led to the delay.

Hartlepool Borough Council is hoping to take some action to force the building work to be finished via a completion notice or other powers.

A council spokesman said: "Members have expressed concern about the appearance of the unfinished development on a number of occasions in the past, given its prominence on a major approach to the town."

At a meeting of the council last week it was decided to take more specialist legal advice about the situation and what powers could be used to resolve the problem.

A final decision on the area will be made once advice has been taken.