AN organisation set up to promote Teesside is claiming that politics is getting in the way of its plans to stage a series of high profile events in the area.

(CORR)TeessideTogether, which was formed to combat the growth of the use of the term Tees Valley, had been hoping to put on a variety of events, ranging from a music festival to a half marathon, but it appears the projects have fallen at the first hurdle.

Dave Roberts, organisation chairman, claims they lost support from the local authorities across the area when he made it public that he intended to stand for elected mayor for Teesside and Darlington.

In a letter sent to the organisation from the Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Councillor Sue Jeffrey, stated that Leaders and Mayor from the area’s local authorities had decided that they would be ‘unable to meet’ to discuss proposed events as a result of his decision.

And Mr Roberts said one of the authorities whose involvement would have been crucial to staging the ‘Six Bridges’ half marathon, is now saying it would seek to recover all costs—including charging for officer time—in any dealings with the organisation.

He said: “Obviously we are deeply disappointed that our hopes of staging events which could have nothing but good for the area have been undermined in this way.

"The position is clear…before the letter from Councillor Jeffrey we had been having detailed discussions, particularly on the Half Marathon, with a council that could not do enough to help bring the high-profile events to the area and without any indications that we would be charged for officers’ time.

“Now we would face the prospect of costs which would run into thousands of pounds for council officer time. Whatever ‘spin’ is put on the situation it is clear that political considerations have forced us to halt our plans."

TeessideTogether has contacted the Northern Powerhouse Minister and Stockton South MP James Wharton, arguing that the decision to refuse to speak to them was politically motivated.

He added: “As we have pointed out to the Minister, it is reasonable to expect that one or more of the Leaders and Mayor who took the decision may themselves seek to become Elected Mayor. They presumably will have unfettered access to council resources which could assist their electoral interests."

Cllr Jeffrey wrote to TeessideTogether informing them that following Mr Roberts' announcement to stand in any mayoral election meant it would not be pertinent to hold any meetings to discuss the proposals.

Today, the Labour leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said there was nothing else to add.