THE cultural identity of Redcar and East Cleveland fell under the spotlight last week.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors debated an East Cleveland Independents' motion to change all council addresses to Yorkshire.

The full council meeting also discussed a motion laid by the Conservatives to reject home rule for the North-East.

But in the end Labour Party councillors at Eston Town Hall defeated both motions, arguing that it would cost £100,000 to change the addresses and letterheads of the council and that the North-East Assembly would at least bring a government closer than London.

Council leader David Walsh said: "Just think about what that £100,000 could be spent on - a pelican crossing, restocking libraries or home care. As far as the regional parliament goes, it will replace the work of undemocratic quangos with a democratic body, which has got to be good for everyone."

Conservative leader Vera Moody, who moved the motion to reject plans for a North-East parliament, countered: "Labour have said that this assembly will give the North-East more influence. At present we have 30 MPs covering the region, 28 of whom are Labour, several of which are cabinet ministers, including the PM.

"What benefits has this delivered Redcar and Cleveland? Another reason not to support a Geordie Parliament."

Independents leader Steve Kay, who wore the white rose of Yorkshire at the meeting on Thursday night, rejected the assertion by council leader David Walsh that changing the addresses of council buildings to incorporate the word Yorkshire would cost £100,000.

Members of the public interviewed by The Advertiser held widely diverse opinions for and against the motions.

Middlesbrough FC supporter Carina Brown, 23, of Redcar thought the district belonged to Cleveland. She said: "We get so much criticism in this county from newspapers and everyone else and we should stick together to prove everyone wrong. We're part of Cleveland and we should be proud of it. When it comes to a regional assembly I'd say we'd be better off having one just for Cleveland."

John Parsons, 60, of nearby Brotton, said: "I was brought up as being part of Yorkshire and I don't see why it should have changed. A regional assembly would be run by Newcastle and Sunderland who would say, 'we bring in the money, we're running this region."