Leeds nostalgia: The day Whitby was '˜saved' from becoming part of Teeside

Whitby celebrated after the government bowed to pressure not to include it in the proposed county of Teeside.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jan 2018, 15:54 BST

Updated 26th Jan 2018, 15:55 BST

Whitby 3rd February 1968

The Rector of Whitby, Canon Joseph Penniston has been sitting at the top of the steps collecting money for the repair to the 199 steps — Whitby 3rd February 1968 The Rector of Whitby, Canon Joseph Penniston has been sitting at the top of the steps collecting money for the repair to the 199 steps

The Rev J C Penniston, Rector of Whitby, said the 10 bells of the town’s 12th Century parish church would peal to celebrate the decision.

The story appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post in January 1972.

“This is a tremendous relief,” he said. “So far as the ordinary person is concerned, their wish was to remain in Yorkshire, whatever the planners say.”

A spokesman for the Government said they would now consult with local authorities on whether to include Whitby in the new North Yorkshire authority.

Campaigners fought ‘tooth and nail’ to prevent the town from being reclassified as part of Teeside as part of a national shake-up of boundaries.