PLANS are being discussed to transform Skinningrove into a seaside destination to be proud of.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council wants to raise the profile of the East Cleveland village in an attempt to attract visitors to its sandy beach.

It is hoped that it will rival the larger beaches of Redcar, Saltburn and Marske.

Brotton councillor Richard Rudland, who also represents Skinningrove, called on the council cabinet to turn its attention to making the village a visitor attraction.

He said: “I would like to see Skinningrove improved, but it often gets left out because it’s a small mining village. I would like to see it developed into a seaside resort.

“We have the history of ironstone mining, which actually started in Skinningrove and moved to Eston, we have the mining museum, the bonfire and the mosaic.

“We also have one of the best beaches on the east coast, but we are not doing enough to lure people in.”

Coun Sheelagh Clarke, the cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, has promised to turn her attention to developing the village.

She said: “We do require amenities for people to use.

We don’t have toilets down there and that’s something that needs looking at.

“I have always believed that Skinningrove is quite impressive, even though there is quite a bit of work to do.

“I do think we can package it as a resort to sit alongside Saltburn, Redcar and Marske.

“The time has come to start looking at it.”

The village already boasts the Tom Leonard Mining Museum, which charts the history of ironstone mining in the area, and Skinningrove Link Up, which provides a number of community initiatives.

There is a thriving fishing community and the village sits on the popular Cleveland Way.