Districts’ leaders ‘proud to be from Yorkshire’

COUNCILS COVERING some of Yorkshire’s most rural districts have rejected suggestions they could unite with an authority serving urban parts of North-East England.

The leaders of Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils, which serve populations of 90,500 and 53,700 respectively, have said they do not feel joining the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) would be in the best interests of their residents.

The comments from Conservative councillors Mark Robson and Yvonne Peacock came after fellow Tory and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said he would welcome the North Yorkshire councils “with open arms” into the TCVA.

The combined authority serves a population of 700,000 across the mostly urban areas of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland.

Mr Houchen said: “I recognise that along the River Tees we’re one half Yorkshire and another Durham.

“That’s why I’ll always have discussions with North Yorkshire districts to see how we can work together to deliver jobs and growth across the area.

“The world doesn’t stop at political boundaries, and the names of local authorities don’t define us.

“If Hambleton, Richmond, or Scarborough want to join forces with me to deliver for people, my door is always open.”

The North Yorkshire council leaders said they were committed to joining 16 other authorities in the One Yorkshire devolution plan, which has been submitted to the Government.

Hambleton District Council’s leader, Coun Robson, said: “This would water down what we do and how we operate.

“The district operates very well at the moment.

“Joining the TVCA would not be appropriate just because Great Ayton and Stokesley are close to Teesside.”

Richmondshire District Council’s leader, Coun Peacock, added: “We know what happens even 20 miles from our border can make a difference in Richmondshire, but to us the future is One Yorkshire.

“Our residents can recognise that and are proud to be Yorkshire.”