COUNCIL leaders across the Tees Valley have called on the area’s mayor to join them in condemning a decision that could see rail improvements axed in the North-East.

The leaders of Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland council’s have penned a letter to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling urging the government to reverse its decision to pull the plug on plans that could potentially electrify railway lines in the North.

Councillor Bill Dixon, Cllr Bob Cook, Mayor Dave Budd, Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher and Cllr Sue Jeffrey have also wrote to Ben Houchen, asking him to join the cross party plea.

But Mr Houchen said he is being asked to sign a letter for a decision that “hasn’t been made”.

Last month, Mr Grayling announced the railway route between Liverpool and Newcastle may not be fully electrified despite a promise by the previous government to do just that.

Electrification was "not being abandoned" and will instead be used “where it makes a difference”, according to Mr Grayling.

The electrification of the line from Teesport to Northallerton was also suggested to be part of the original plans.

Cllr Dixon said: "This is such an important issue for the Tees Valley, it has to be above party politics.

"Transport is a key part of our devolution deal and our current plans for improving our transport links, were designed to complement the investment which has been cut at the stroke of a pen.

"We urge Mayor Houchen to join us and ensure the Tees Valley is speaking with one voice and able to get the government investment our area needs and deserves.”

But Mr Houchen said: “I am being invited to sign a letter to complain about a decision that hasn’t even been made.

"I spoke to the Chancellor only yesterday who was very clear that the Government is absolutely committed to investment in the TransPennine route.

“Let’s be clear, the Government clarified that there has been no change to the electrification programme, at all, and recent political games suggesting otherwise are wrong.

“I’m disappointed and saddened that while I’m driving forward a real Plan for Growth in the Tees Valley, local Labour leaders are wasting time attacking problems that don’t really exist.”

Speaking about his meeting with the Chancellor, Mr Houchen said: “The Chancellor made it absolutely clear to me that he remains committed to the electrification of the TransPennine Express line.

"This is in addition to a much wider £1 billion fund that will be spent improving rail infrastructure across the North over the next few years.

“I also pushed for cash to fund my road investment strategy, including a new Tees Crossing, A66 improvements and a much-needed bypass for Darlington.

“As with the Prime Minister’s visit to Redcar a couple weeks ago, my meeting with the Chancellor underlines the Government’s commitment to driving jobs and growth in Teesside.”