 |
| A map of traditional county boundaries © Copyright the Association of British Counties |
As a consequence of the Local Government Act 1972, many parts of Yorkshire were carved off and swallowed up by newly created entities (into the so-called 'county' of Cleveland, for example). Yarm-on-Tees was one of the victims of this ill-considered piece of legislation. A brief summary of the administrative changes affecting Yarm can be found here.
Of course, this announcement will not materially change anything. The cross-county atrocity of Stockton Borough Council, created in 1996, will continue to exist in its current form. For now...
The announcement is, however, a powerful acknowledgement of the role of traditional counties throughout the history of our nation. Indeed, many of our traditional counties (including Yorkshire) predate the very Kingdom itself. It is also a welcome recognition of the key role of traditional counties in the shaping of individuals', and our nation's, identity.
Furthermore, there was one comment in the Government's announcement in particular which made the heart sing:
"He [Eric Pickles MP] will encourage local residents to continue to champion such local identities, irrespective of current tiers of local administration."Many in Yarm (including the town's self-styled "mayor", Jason Hadlow), having seen the growing groundswell of residents keen to see Yarm once again under the control of an administration rooted firmly and entirely with North Yorkshire, are keen to jump on the bandwagon. It is telling that many of those now espousing recognition of the town's Yorkshire roots have hitherto done nothing whatsoever to mark or achieve this.
So, as a quick and easy first step, I have an idea...
The current signs 'welcoming' people to Yarm (below) completely fail to reflect the town's historic roots. Whilst mentioning the town's recent links to the towns in France and Germany with which it is twinned, it mentions nothing of our centuries old ties with the North Riding of Yorkshire. (That's not to mention the tired state of the signs, to put it politely.)
 |
| The 'welcome' sign for residents entering North Yorkshire from County Durham over the River Tees from Eaglescliffe |
Granted, it's a small first step, but might oaks from tiny acorns grow.
4 comments:
i agree we should be in Yorkshire and mcfag offer you support and backing together we can do it
Do you see any benefit of Yarm being in North Yorkshire, or is it so people of a certain nature can gloss their post with a more prestigious address? As yet im not sure how it will help Yarm, when im sure NYCC are just as stretched financially and service wise dealing with their own problems issues. How do you see it working? Thanks.
I agree with Anon. We have not to let this 'Yorkshire heritage' thing become too emotive, without first taking a deliberate look at what our township's governance, from Northallerton, would mean.
Indeed, what benefits would it bring to the residents, regarding schools, council-taxes, highways, policing, etc?
Let's not adopt the 'shooting from the hip' stance,
that the S'ton BC chamber has adopted over many years in it's own stumbling attempts to justify it's existence as the primary authority for Yarm.
It's surely up to a study-group of nominees (even YTC) to approach NYCC to examine (under the recent Eric Pickles suggestion) what is effectively 'the sale of Yarm', back to their authority, and what this would ultimately involve? The 'pros'.. and the 'cons'.
A positive answer, would then require a massive lobbying campaign at the highest level and a comprehensive referendum of residents.
Let's not jump, from the frying pan into the fire, over this one. The NYCC may not be financially able, to take our township on, in these cash-strapped times.
As to the road-signs, I see little wrong with these bearing the legend, 'Once proudly part of Yorkshire'
...for this is a fact.
Certainly, this at least, may represent a shot-across-the-bows, in respect of SBC's continued inept governance.
My view - at least consider two Teesside authorities - north or the river and south of the river - we would be a Redcar to Yarm authority, including my Hometown (Middlesbrough)and my current home(Thornaby). I know it is not ideal - no solution is - but it saves thousands on Management costs etc, recognises traditional boandaries and is both big enough to carry weight and small enough to be "local" ...... the current situation/attitude of SBC to the South of the river has been disgraceful recently and perhaps this is one otion for future consideration.
Post a Comment