PARISH councillors on the south side of the River Tees have reiterated their support for a campaign to recognise the historic borders of Yorkshire.
Members of Startforth Parish Council say they would be happy for a sign at their end of the County Bridge declaring the village to be part of the “Historic County of North Riding of Yorkshire”.
The Yorkshire Riding Society (YRS) is campaigning for the traditional county boundaries to be recognised.
Addressing councillors at their latest meeting, Ross Patterson, a member of the society, explained that while local government reorganisation in the 1970s placed Startforth and other villages south of the river in County Durham, this did not affect the historic county boundaries.
“Startforth is in the historic county of Yorkshire and these boundaries don’t change,” he said.
Mr Ross presented members with maps which show Startforth as an outpost of the North Riding.
“Startforth has never left the North Riding of Yorkshire,” he said.
“It is still in the real county of Yorkshire, but administered from Durham.”
Mr Ross said the campaign to recognise the traditional county boundaries had been launched prior to Covid, which had put a temporary stop to YRS activities.
“Previously, Simon Henig, the then leader of Durham County Council had agreed for signs to go in.
“I have spoken to the current leader of Durham County Council and sent her an email explaining there had been a previous agreement to do this,” he added.
Mr Ross said since Covid, the society, along with the Historic Counties Trust, were in the process of submitting a bid to the National Lottery to fund all ridings signs.
He added that he also had some cash available which had been raised during his year as mayor of Stockton.
“We have got an opportunity to get this over the line and not cost you anything,” he said.
Cllr Pat Estall, chairman of Startforth Parish Council, said the council had previously supported the YRS efforts and was happy to do so again – provided it did not cost anything.
“We would like to give our support, but we don’t have any money to give to it.
“If you submit a bid to the lottery, you can do so in the knowledge that Startforth Parish Council gives you their support.”
