A ROW between two councils over bypass plans continued last night, with the leader of one claiming a funding opportunity had been missed.

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough Borough Council, expressed "frustration and regret" that last month's deadline for seeking government cash for an East Middlesbrough Transport Corridor had passed.

His comments follow a refusal by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Middlesbrough's partner in the scheme, to endorse it before the results of a survey into a Light Rapid Transport (LRT) railway system are known.

The two councils commissioned a study into the options for an East Middlesbrough Transport Corridor, but while Middlesbrough accepted its findings, in favour of a bypass from Swan's Corner to Longlands Road, Redcar remained unconvinced.

Middlesbrough says the route would cut down on congestion, and claims it has widespread support, but Redcar believes LRT could be a better option. Councillor Dave Walsh, Redcar and Cleveland council's leader, has accused Coun Walker of crying wolf over the urgency of making a decision.

Coun Walker said: "This is a sad day for the very many residents who are desperate to see immediate action.

"It would seem that Redcar and Cleveland have jeopardised the scheme for at least the current year."