A convoy of toxic ghost ships could sail 15 miles off the Sussex coast on its way to be scrapped.

Thirteen former United States naval ships will be towed 4,000 miles from Virginia to a Hartlepool dockyard where they will be dismantled.

Councillors are worried about possible environmental dangers posed by asbestos and fuel oil on board.

Brighton and Hove Green councillors are asking what contingency plans have been put in place if the ageing convoy is given the go-ahead to pass within a few miles of the Sussex coast.

Government officials are examining the fleet to decide if it is in a fit condition to make the transatlantic journey.

Green councillor Richard Mallender said: "We hope the Government declines permission for this convoy of asbestos-laden ships to enter British waters at all but if it is given permission to pass through the English Channel we have been advised its route could take it within 15 miles of the Sussex coast.

"We fear local councils and other agencies including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency may not be able to manage the worst case scenario and we want reassurance.

"Maritime incidents such as the recent car-carrier break-up off Folkestone revealed the authorities were not as well prepared as they should have been. If these hulks, some of which date back to the Korean war, break up then the Sussex coast could be severely polluted."

The ships are owned by the US Maritime Administration, which has admitted they pose an environmental threat after several oil spills.

They are among 130 obsolete vessels, dubbed the ghost fleet, which are polluted with asbestos, toxic polychlorinated biphenyls and marine diesel oil.

Able UK, which won the contract to dismantle the vessels, has yet to decide the exact route they will be towed.

Coun Mallender said: "The scrap metal merchant says there is no more risk to the marine environment during transportation than for any other ship on the high seas, which is absurd. A 50-year-old rusting ship presents a greater risk of contaminating the sea than a modern ship in good condition."

The Government's representative for maritime salvage and intervention is deciding if the ships are safe enough to be allowed into British waters. Other representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are examining them to assess if they are seaworthy.

An agency spokesman said: "The exact route has not yet been decided but it is likely they will be towed through the Channel, depending on weather conditions.

"Every effort is being made to ensure the vessels are safe both structurally and environmentally."

They could leave Virginia by the end of the week.