A GOVERNMENT agency has offered to step in to help sort out a disagreement between neighbouring councils over an aborted road plan.

A council leader last night claimed Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon had lost all credibility over his overtures for a meeting with neighbouring Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to salvage plans for an east Middlesbrough bypass.

Mayor Mallon said: "In recent weeks, we have seen how fragile the road infrastructure of our area is. All politicians have a duty to try to find a solution to that problem.

"We would never claim that the east Middlesbrough bypass is the whole solution, but it is part of a range of measures which can alleviate congestion.

"I would urge Redcar and Cleveland to start looking for solutions with us, rather than problems."

It was confirmed last night that the Government's Highways Agency has written to both councils, offering to help them talk through the road scheme, dropped from Redcar and Cleveland's plans only weeks ago.

Councillor Ron Lowes, executive member of Middlesbrough Council for transport, said: "So far, Redcar and Cleveland have pointed to a number of barriers, particularly from the Highways Agency and National Trust. There are debatable points, but nothing that is insurmountable and they should accept that."

But Redcar and Cleveland council's cabinet chairman, Eric Empson, said: "The so-called bypass - which would not be a bypass, but would run right through east Middlesbrough - is a non starter.

"Additional roads bring additional traffic.

"But we have been through all this. We came to an agreement with Ray Mallon to look at traffic management measures. We agreed, but two weeks later, Ray Mallon said 'Give me Nunthorpe and Ormesby, and I will give you a bypass'.''

Coun Empson claimed: "He has lost all credibility. There is no point in having a meeting, because he will just go over the same ground.''

The National Trust has objected to the proposed road, which would cut a swathe through land adjoining the grounds of Ormesby Hall.

The Trust says it would take an Act of Parliament to change the status and ownership of the land.

Coun Empson said last night: "We, as the ones having that land within the borough would be the ones to have to start proceedings, which is something we will not do.''