MOVES to settle a long-running dispute over ways to keep Hartlepool beaches clean get under way next week.

For decades, people living in Hartlepool have complained about seacoalers, people who collect dumped coal and other materials from beaches, to sell.

Residents have repeatedly called on the practice to be banned as they claim the seacoalers cause more harm than good when they make their collection from the town's beaches.

But the people involved in seacoaling claim they keep the beaches clean by removing coal dumped by industry, and they insist they need to continue their traditional work to provide an income for their families.

The controversial issue will be looked at in depth by Hartlepool Borough Council's policy scrutiny forum, which will meet next Monday.

The councillors will begin a long process of consultation, which it is hoped will settle the debate between residents and seacoalers, and find a solution that pleases both sides.

The consultation is expected to last a few months and all interested parties will be invited to have their say.

In a report to the forum, a spokesman for the council said: "It is claimed that the use of vehicles by seacoalers on the beach is having a damaging effect on Hartlepool's foreshore, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

"However for some local people it may be a primary source of income, and it may assist in preventing large deposits of coal on local beaches."

Various organisations are involved in passing regulations relating to beaches in the area, including the Crown Estate Commissioner, the Environment Agency, the police and English Nature, and they will all be involved in decisions made about the issue.

Councillors are also expected to visit those sites that are most frequently complained about.

Members of the public and the seacoalers will also be invited to address the council.

The forum meeting, in Hartlepool Civic Centre, on Monday morning, was called to look at all aspects of maintaining Hartlepool's beaches, but it is expected to deal solely with the seacoalers.

The council spokesman said: "The report recommends beach health and safety issues such as dog fouling and quadbike racing should be looked at separately once the seacoaling issue has been looked at."