Local Liberal Democrat Councillors backed the £1.4 billion Tees Valley Combined Authority Investment Plan approved on 24 January.

The 10-year plan includes the acquisition of Durham Tees Valley Airport and and land at the South Tees Development Corporation site. Both will promote local jobs and prosperity.

The Lib Dems also initiated an all-party letter to the Council’s Leader urging her to vote for the plan, for the good of the area.

Lib Dem Cllr Glyn Nightingale (from Ormesby) is a member of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Scrutiny Board. He welcomed the decision, saying:

“I listened to the proposals presented. The preferred operator’s plans impressed me.

“It’s clear that many local people would prefer to use their local airport and were concerned about the threat of closure.

“A successful airport is crucial to the regeneration and future prosperity of the whole of Tees Valley.”