THE Environment Agency is still waiting for more information on controversial plans to scrap a fleet of toxic "Ghost Ships".

Able UK hopes to revamp its dockyard so that it can scrap the rusting, obsolete ships.

It wants to build new quays, a coffer dam and dry dock gate, with facilities for the manufacture of wind towers and blades, as well as assembly of turbine generator units.

But the Environment Agency has asked for more detailed scientific information on the impact that planned dredging works would have -information that Able, based in Hartlepool, said it supplied.

However, the agency says it was only given "preliminary information" by Able and expects the firm to make a further submission next month.

If the information supplied in the new submission satisfies the agency, it could withdraw its objection.

The agency, along with organisations such as English Nature, fears the plans will affect the Seal Sands wildlife reserve.

Bob Pailor, the Environment Agency's manager for the Tees Valley area, said: "Able had given us some preliminary information, which was useful.

"We then met them last week and told them exactly what we need. They have done some scientific modelling and predicted how much wildlife habitat could be lost, but we need to be confident in those predictions."

Any fresh submission will prompt a further consultation period.