COUNCILLORS have rejected moves that could have had implications for the future cultural identity of the region.

Redcar and Cleveland Council members debated an East Cleveland Independents motion to change council addresses to Yorkshire.

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

But Labour Party councillors at Eston Town Hall defeated both motions, arguing 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, said: "Labour has 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 Prime Minister. What benefits has this delivered to Redcar and Cleveland? Another reason not to support a Geordie Parliament."

Leader of the Independents, Steve Kay, wearing the white rose of Yorkshire, rejected the assertion by council leader David Walsh that changing the addresses of council buildings to incorporate the word Yorkshire would cost £100,000.

Both motions were defeated when the 28 Labour Party councillors, the majority group, voted against them. Three Liberal Democrats also voted against the motion to reject a new regional assembly.