PLANS to sort out traffic congestion are in a pickle because of two squabbling council leaders, claims a shadow government minister.

The Government recently threw out plans for an East Middlesbrough Bypass saying a case had not been proved.

For months, neighbours Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils - both Labour controlled - have wrangled about solutions to the problem of congestion on Marton Road.

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough Council, backs proposals for a £24m bypass while Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has called for the option of light rail transport to be investigated, first.

Shadow transport minister Eric Pickles called for a more radical solution following a visit to the area and a chat to grid-locked residents.

He said: "It seems to me the decision on whether there is a bypass should not be subject to the caprices of a disagreement between two Labour council leaders.

"It does seem to me they need their heads banging together.

"The idea of light rail is quite nice but what we need to do is to stop the pollution and the incidence of asthma caused by the heavy congestion, now."

The National Trust objected to proposals for a bypass saying it would plough across their land at Ormesby Hall while Councillor Walsh has said the environmental damage caused would outweigh the benefits of a new road.

Mr Pickles said: "You have to weigh that against the quite considerable environmental damage to the people who live there.

"And obviously you would have the same kind of thing with light rail transport."

The MP claimed present congestion on Marton Road matched problems in Holland Park, London; but while there was "a strong case" for a bypass, Middlesbrough's need had to be weighed up against other cases competing for cash