Leader's reaction as investment plan agreed

Council leaders from the five Tees Valley boroughs - Darlington, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool - have this morning backed plans to bring Teesside Airport back into public ownership as part of a wide-ranging investment plan for the area.

The plan won unanimous approval at a special meeting of Tees Valley Combined Authority's cabinet held in Middlesbrough this morning

Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “I am proud that leaders from the five council areas have successfully worked with the Tees Valley Mayor to secure this ambitious multi-million pound investment plan for the area.

“Everyone agrees that the Tees Valley deserves a successful airport. Although the investment plan brings with it a certain amount of risk, I am convinced that supporting the airport is the right thing to do.

“But today is not just about the airport. The Combined Authority Cabinet’s decision to vote in favour of the Investment Plan unlocks many millions of pounds worth of funding, which will pave the way for exciting developments and projects across the Tees Valley, supporting economic development and helping to create jobs.

“I look forward to sharing more details of exactly what this will mean for Darlington in the coming days, weeks and months. However, what I can tell you right now is that this deal is good news for Darlington, good news for our town centre and good news for tourism particularly in relation to our rail heritage.”