THE reasons behind the discoloration of water running through a seaside town is to be explained in a number of information boards.

Saltburn Gill Action Group (SGAG) is working closely with the Environment Agency to develop ways of remedying the problem.

And the two interpretation boards aim to inform people about the causes and effects of the ochre colouring to the water.

Jim Wingham, chairman of SGAG, said: "There have always been examples of rust coloured liquid at various points in the area, with the most serious example occurring in Skinningrove. In May 1999 a sudden break out in Saltburn Gill caused the stream to turn red brown in colour.

"Since that time the stream has continued to be one of the most heavily polluted in the country.

"The pollution consists of iron oxide, or ochre, which while not being poisonous stifles almost all forms of insect and plant life. So as well as being unsightly, Saltburn Gill has become more or less dead."

The group has spent the last three years working alongside the Environment Agency to draw up plans to solve the problem.

The new boards have been erected in the Cat Nab car park in the town.