HISTORIANS are being urged to help preserve a reputed Civil War battle site.

Efforts to have the Chapel Beck area of Guisborough included in the town's conservation area ran into problems over a lack of proof concerning its violent past.

Officials require evidence that the battle of Stumps Cross began on the site.

The move to protect the park followed a protest to halt moves to develop the land into a car park for council offices.

Although the scheme fell through when Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council bought the former Blackett Hutton foundry, in Rectory Lane, concerns were raised over the area's long-term preservation.

Guisborough's conservation area stops just short of Chapel Beck, and the Beck Side Park Protest Group wants to see it extended.

Ted Amos, chairman of the group, claimed that during the Civil War, the battle of Stumps Cross began on the site and finished in Scarborough.

He said it was named Stumps Cross because one of the leaders lost both his legs in battle.

The task of proving the beck's importance now falls to the protest group.

Although home to kingfishers and other wildlife, it would appear this is not enough to bestow conservation status.

Any local historians who may have more information on the area's Civil War past should call Stuart Burns on (01287) 636444.