MP's demand on Teesside cash help

Sep 2 2010 by Sandy McKenzie, Evening Gazette

Mr Wharton said he will fight Teesside’s corner and do everything he can to secure the remaining £30m of funding which was promised to the area.

“When he visited the region recently, Business Secretary Vince Cable said he was optimistic it would survive the cuts and still come to Teesside, but that was before the announcement that TCP could be sold to SSI.

Mr Wharton said projects supported by the Tees Valley Industrial Programme projects would be a real boost for the local economy.

“We need to diversify Teesside’s industries and invest in new technologies like carbon capture and storage. If we get this right it could secure thousands of jobs for years to come.

“If the sale of TCP to SSI goes ahead - and we all hope it will - the economy in Teesside will still be behind so many other regions.

“This funding package will make some contribution to addressing that problem and getting our local economy up and running again.

“I have written to the Business Secretary today reminding him of the unique opportunities, and challenges, we face in this part of the world. Mr Cable must make Teesside a priority.”

He added: “As a local MP I will fight tooth and nail to ensure this funding comes to Teesside.”