JOINT talks are to be held over plans for a bypass and the form it should take.

A meeting between Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough borough councils, scheduled for next week, should bring an end to the deadlock between the neighbouring town halls over the proposals.

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough council, had written to Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland council, suggesting "our joint interest in finding the best way forward to deal with traffic congestion both now and in the future'' would be best served by face-to-face talks.

Middlesbrough supports the idea of a bypass, but Coun Walsh has called for a rethink, following a study into a light rail transport system (LRT) instead.

Coun Walker said: "I am sure that both authorities want to achieve the best possible transport services for the area, which is why I am confident that we can reach an agreement which will enable us to put forward a sensible and coherent package for Government funding.''

He has already said that a road bypass and an LRT system could both play an important part - together with other projects, such as a new crossing of the River Tees - in providing the area with a transport network able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Coun Walker said: "The sooner we can reach an agreement the better it will be for all concerned - not least the many thousands of people who travel between the two boroughs, whether for work, shopping or leisure, and are looking for solutions to the current traffic hold-ups they often face."

Coun Walsh has always supported the idea of a joint meeting. He said: "We want to compare and contrast the LRT against any highway scheme, otherwise it would not be a valid exercise.''