FURTHER amendments have been made to a bid to put an end to the ghost ships saga.

Council officials in Hartlepool have received an amended planning application from Able UK in relation to the development of its Graythorp yard.

The company's original application relating to the use of the site now includes several additional elements - although the proposal to construct, repair, refurbish and decommission ships, vessels and other craft remains unchanged.

The amendments relate to matters such as proposed dredging within the dock basin and works associated with the site's drainage system.

The site will need the amended application to be approved before the ghost ships can be dismantled at the yard.

As a result, planning officials have announced a further period of public consultation.

Members of the public can inspect copies of the applications, plans, environmental statement and other related documents at Hartlepool Borough Council's Bryan Hanson House offices, in Lynn Street during normal office hours until Wednesday, December 7. No appointment is required.

Comments on the amended planning application or updated environmental statement should be sent in writing by December 7 to Principal Planning Officer Roy Merrett at the Development Control Section, Bryan Hanson House, Hanson Square, Lynn Street, Hartlepool TS24 7BT.

For further details, call Bryon Hanson House on (01429) 523004.