A POLITICAL group has conceded defeat in its campaign to prevent the division of a council ward.

The East Cleveland Independents, the third largest party on the marginal Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, admitted that the Boundary Commission's decision to split the Lockwood and Skinningrove ward, was final.

In the May elections, voters from Skinningrove and Carlin Howe will vote as part of Brotton ward and Lockwood ward will consist of Lingdale, Stanghow, Moorsholm and Little Moorsholm.

Steve Kay, leader of the ECI, said: "We believe that the Boundary Committee has ridden roughshod over established communities and defied the will of the people.

"However, one thing is certain; despite our reservations about the electoral arrangements, we must now accept them and make them work for the people of our area."