A NEW homes scheme has sparked a furious attack on beach sewage dangers in East Cleveland.

As councillors were considering a plan for three houses in Saltburn, the question of pollution further down the coast was raised, in the light of a boy being infected by a virus.

Coun Madge Moses, Redcar and Cleveland's ward member for Marske, said angrily: "We are knee-deep in sewage at Marske beach. All the filth comes down to us while Saltburn is being hailed as the jewel in the borough's crown. It comes from new homes such as this and none of this is being taken into account."

Coun Moses referred to the recent case of teenager Christopher McLeod who complained of feeling unwell after wading into the sea at Marske.

After more than a week of treatment, he was taken to hospital where hepatitis was diagnosed.

Marske beach has long been the subject of concern about sewage spillage. "A boy could have died," said Coun Moses. "Other children could die on that beach. I challenge councillors to take their own children down there to paddle. No-one would be willing to do that."

The plan which provoked the outburst was for three terrace homes on vacant land at Ruby Street and Marine Parade.

Planning officer Mrs Penny Furniss said the buildings had been staggered in a bid to reduce impact on other properties and other amendments to an original scheme made the project acceptable.

But Coun Vera Moody said: "I am still not happy. The applicant is developing this to his own advantage to get as much from the site as he can. We are not sticking to our own recommendations in the local plan. I would have thought we could have had a better development on that site with two homes rather than three."

Mrs Furniss said: "Officers did try to negotiate for two homes. That would have been our preference."

The scheme was agreed. Northumbrian Water officials attended a meeting of the local parish council to discuss progress on a scheme to improve the situation at Marske