A ROW is likely to erupt between two authorities at the centre of plans to create a better transport system for east Middlesbrough.

Both Middlesbrough Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council held meetings this week to discuss the East Middlesbrough Transport Corridor.

The aim of the scheme is to ease traffic congestion through Guisborough, Nunthorpe and Marton Road into Middlesbrough, at a cost of more than £30m of Government money.

But, while Middlesbrough council voted for a new road linking Swans Corner at Nunthorpe with the Longlands roundabout, Redcar and Cleveland called for a rethink.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors said they believed a Government-backed study into a new Light Rapid Transport system, linking Guisborough with Middlesbrough by following the existing Nunthorpe to Middlesbrough rail route, could be a better option.

Council leader David Walsh said: "We are not entirely sure that building a new road would be the best solution."

He said there were "understandable reservations" by people in the Rothesay Grove area of Nunthorpe, who could face the demolition of their homes.

He said this and concerns of English Nature and the National Trust meant the council believed the money would not be forthcoming.

"We feel that this investigation should focus on the East Middlesbrough corridor as a prime candidate for the creation of a modern, high-speed public transport system which could remove the congestion problem at source - by attracting motorists out of their cars in the first place," he said.

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough council, said: "This council has discussed objectively and openly this issue, and is deeply disappointed by Redcar and Cleveland council's decision."