Ecological work at the former HMS Ganges site, including clearing and bonfires, is due to be completed today.

Experts from the site owners' ecological consultants Roger Jones & Sons Ltd, , have been clearing, mending and reinstating some reptile fences that have been

snakes, lizards and other protected reptiles.

The company has all the required licences and insurance regarding bonfires and anticipate no more fires from the end of this week.

A spokesman for the developers said: "It's a necessary and seasonal function that needs to occur. If it didn't it would impose even more delays on our project."

A small number of Shotley residents have complained about the smell of smoke coming from bonfires at the far end of the former playing field areas, which has also undergone extensive archaeological digs.

Nub News understands nothing of historic significance was discovered and the area is clear for work to start as soon as the contractors are given the all clear to start.

Permission was given in 2015 to build 285 new homes, retail outlets, a small hotel, residential care home and designated open spaces.

Work on the link road, and first tranche of houses, was due to start this month, and the owners are still hoping to be able to progress as soon as possible.

Security at the former Royal Navy training base has been stepped up, after a spate of intruders broke in, and some vandalism took place. So called urban warriors have been blamed for targeting the base and uploading YouTube videos of their activities.