'Let's get this finished once and for all... it needs dealing with'

HISTORIC BOUNDARIES FIGHT TO BE TAKEN TO GOVERNMENT

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

WHERE do you live? The question continues to intrigue and perplex people on “Teesside’, if last night’s Stockton Council meeting is anything to go by. Its leaders have voted to ask the government to make road signs which mark historic county boundaries compulsory.

Cllr Ross Patterson proposed the motion to preserve the historic counties which have existed since the Middle Ages, saying Stockton had three towns north of the river Tees in the historic county of Durham, three south of the river in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

He pointed to a hologram of the counties on the back cover of British passports, and a government description of the counties as an important element of English traditions, sport and culture giving a sense of belonging, pride and community spirit.

The Ingleby Barwick South member said: “The council has taken a keen interest in the last decade to ensure that the historic county boundary at the river Tees is marked on its highway network, as well as kindly offering guidance and advice to other local councils wishing to do the same.

“However, progress elsewhere is frustratingly slow, and we risk losing our heritage if nothing is done.”

Road signs for historic county boundaries are optional for councils.

Cllr Patterson proposed that the council leader write to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner requesting such signs be made compulsory, and that she visits Stockton.