A HISTORY group is urging a council to take pride in its town heritage following concerns that a link-road is to be built beside the world's oldest railway booking office.

Norton Heritage Group said that the railway heritage of Stockton is non-existent, despite it being known as the birthplace of the railway.

The members have voiced concerns over the news that the road, which will link Ingleby Barwick and Stockton, will run past the original booking office of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and will be built on part of the track.

They are also concerned that not enough is being done to promote the town.

Robert Harbron, from the group, said: "Stockton is known as the birthplace of the railways, but has nothing to show for it.

"It is about time Stockton Borough Council woke up and realised the potential Stockton could have.

"When you compare it with York, Darlington or Shildon, which all have great pride in their railways, there is nothing in Stockton.

"Over the years, we have also lost the old Baptist Tabernacle and the some of the old houses from the High Street, and something needs to be done to preserve the heritage."

Steve Barker, head of planning at the council, said it is doing all it can to preserve the town's history.

He said: "We have 450 listed buildings in the borough, and we try to ensure they all have a secure long-term future.

"Where buildings are threatened by neglect, we work with the owners to ensure they can be handed on to the next generation.

"While we should make the most of our railway heritage, we should also play to our strengths. We have other claims to fame, including being the birthplace of the friction match, and some of the most pioneering engineers the world has known."