Change to 'ghost fleet' dock plans

The ships are due to be scrapped at a yard in Hartlepool

The company planning to import and scrap part of the US 'ghost fleet' to Hartlepool has changed its plans for housing the rusting hulks when they arrive.

Able UK has now decided against seeking planning permission for a dry dock at the site.

Instead the company says it will rely on an earlier planning permission granted in 1997 to allow it to build a rock-filled embankment, or bund.

Friends of the Earth says the scheme is less environmentally safe than the original plan for a dry dock.

But Able UK managing director Peter Stephenson said building the bund has been discussed with bodies including English Nature.

He said: "Our designers are currently working on an alternative design which may submitted to Hartlepool Boroough Council in the near future."

Mr Stephenson added: "The delivery of the ships and the contract period will not be afffected at all by this process."

Fuel fears

The 13-strong fleet of cargo and military vessels is being brought 4,000 miles from Virginia, to be scrapped at a Hartlepool dockyard.

The deal is expected to create 200 jobs at Able UK's Hartlepool yard.

The plan has already been criticised by environmental groups, who are worried about the possible risks from asbestos and fuel oil.

And Friends of the Earth has now called on Hartlepool Borough Council to ensure the Able proposals do not go ahead without a full environmental impact assessment being carried out.

Campaigns director Mike Childs said: "We also look to the British, Irish, French and Belgium coastguards to prevent these boats entering European waters until those assessments are complete."

A spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council said: "We now have to consider a lot of representations and a lot of detailed submissions. We are assessing our position."

Strong winds

The departure of the first two controversial former US Navy ships bound for Hartlepool has been delayed by Hurricane Isabel - currently heading for America's East Coast.

The ships, part of the flotilla of 13 that will be scrapped in the North East, were due to leave on Thursday but will now not sail for at least a couple of days.

The 105mph winds will delay the sailing of the first two vessels for two days.

Environmentalists want the journey stopped, claiming the ships are rusting and could leak oil and dangerous chemicals.

But Able has dismissed the fears as "scaremongering".