FEARS about a controversial development scheme in Saltburn could be premature.

The plan would not be as bad as people thought - and in any case there was no cash to proceed at present, said Saltburn improvement company chairman Mr Jack Chesters.

The scheme to create artists' studios at a former nursery site near the Valley Gardens is on a back burner while the SIC concentrates on sea front development work.

When the studios plan was considered, residents' fears would be taken into account, said Mr Chesters, speaking in the wake of another protest meeting about the plans, recently approved by Redcar and Cleveland council.

Campaigners gathered last Friday to protest about the move to develop the Rose Walk site, demolish two greenhouses and create eight studios.

Residents fear extra traffic and activity will disturb the tranquillity of the area.

"We will look at this later," said Mr Chesters. "We have no funds at all just now so the scheme cannot be taken any further.

"We have other things on such as the sea front development which is a priority. We also have to finish other artists' studios in the town.

"We know there is a lot of feeling against this scheme and when we do consider it, those feelings will be taken on board. At this stage we do not intend to do anything."

Mr Chesters said the idea was floated in April but since then, two chairmen and a director had left the SIC. He took over last week.

He said Mr Alistair Snow, of Saltburn artists' studios, had no mandate from the SIC to address a site visit by councillors, adding that Mr Snow had left the SIC after working on the Rose Walk scheme.

He also insisted the site would not be put to industrial use. "The most that will be made will be light garden furniture and pottery," he said.

"Residents will find it is not as bad as has been feared."

Last Friday, a dozen angry residents protested outside the current artists' studios. Saltburn ward Coun Barbara Harpham said: "They do not want the Valley Gardens' peace and tranquillity disturbed." She said residents were concerned that activities would not just be painting but also stone and metal work and there was concern about lorries and other transport.