And this is the problem with the North East summed up - it's far too parochial

Stockport knows its place in Greater Manchester, Ashton knows its place etc etc - they aren't obsessing over 'Manchester' buses being in 'Oldham' etc - they recognise what works and that's why that region is together and growing whereas the North East remains like 2 bald men fighting over a comb focusing on branding and who gets what