A POLITICAL row is brewing in Guisborough because of comments by the town's new mayor.

Last month Coun Barbara Punshon said her aims for her year in office included projects on play areas, cleaning the Chapel Beck and the surrounding area, planting hanging baskets and flower beds and refurbishing the cenotaph.

She wanted to promote partnerships such as Guisborough in Bloom, the Christmas lights appeal and the market towns initiative.

But Conservative councillor Alma Thrower, who is involved in Guisborough Business Association, Guisborough in Bloom and Guisborough Town Pride, said most of the work Coun Punshon mentioned was already being done by volunteers.

She said: "Maybe she is going to take credit for everything we have been working on."

But Coun Punshon replied: "I am talking about achieving things in partnership. I am never going to achieve them personally. They have got that impression wrongly."