Newly restored boundary sign unveiled on Yarm High Street

It might seem like a simple question.

But like several other locations across Teesside, it’s one at the centre of a fierce debate that has raged on for years.

Does it fall under Stockton Borough Council's control? Yes. Is it in the historic county of the North Riding of Yorkshire? Also yes. 

Despite several changes to local government in recent years, the county of Yorkshire and the other 38 historic counties remain unaltered and continue to exist.

And the River Tees, which runs around the town, has marked the border between County Durham and the North Riding of Yorkshire for more than a thousand years. 

Yarm High Street (Image: Terry Blackburn)

Those driving into Yarm High Street when crossing over Yarm Bridge from Eaglescliffe will already be familiar with the sign welcoming them to the North Riding of Yorkshire. 

And now, a newly restored boundary sign has been unveiled to go alongside it. 

The new North Riding of Yorkshire sign in Yarm (Image: YORKSHIRE RIDINGS' SOCIETY)

Located on Headquarters Barber Shop, and visible as you enter the High Street, the new sign has been restored by Ron Carroll Signs and Art. 

It features a blue background with a white rose, which traditionally represents purity and innocence but, to many in Yorkshire, simply means home. 

The sign has been refreshed by The Yorkshire Ridings’ Society.

The new North Riding of Yorkshire sign in Yarm (Image: YORKSHIRE RIDINGS' SOCIETY)

It said: “The sign serves as a reminder that despite several changes to local government in recent years, the county of Yorkshire and the other 38 historic counties remain unaltered and continue to exist alongside local government areas.

“The society wishes to thank Headquarters Barbers shop for the use of their building and Ron Carroll Signs and Art for the restoration work on the sign.”

Yarm was once a part of Cleveland County, which was created in 1974. This featured the areas of Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Langbaurgh (now Redcar and Cleveland).

When it was abolished in 1996, the four areas were broken up into new authorities; Middlesbrough Council, Hartlepool Council, Stockton Council, and Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The Northern Echo previously reported how it was decided that, for cultural purposes, south of the Tees would be Yorkshire and north of the Tees Durham.

But the debate over exactly what county these areas fall into has long continued after.

You can read more on the ancient broken counties here.

Location has been a contentious topic for Yarm residents for years, with a Yarm for Yorkshire campaign once even being launched. 

Many residents wanted the town to be moved into the Hambleton District - now North Yorkshire Council - but Stockton Borough Council refused the attempt in 2014. 

A vote organised by Yarm Town Council at the time saw 89 per cent of people vote to leave Stockton from a 24 per cent turn out.

However, after a heated debate in Stockton Town Hall, a clear majority of councillors decided not to refer the idea to the Boundary Commission. 

Let us know what you think in the comments.