Much of Arriva North East deserves some new buses and investment, it shouldn't be the north vs the south of the area. I do agree that Redcar don't look after their buses very well though, or even allocate properly.
Double deckers are often seen on the 62, which is a complete waste.
And I've seen myself drivers literally kicking buses, pulling and tugging at doors trying to get them to close properly and so on, at Redcar Clock right outside their office and in full view of many passengers. It doesn't tell me that they have any pride in their fleet or look after them properly.