Lord Heseltine reveals plans to transform SSI site

I am pleased the government are progressing on the future of the SSI site and welcome any measures which help our local economy to recover from the loss of steelmaking and job losses in other industries like Boulby Potash.

We have the skills, experience and ambition here on Teesside to drive the area forward and it is good that the government recognise the importance of local leadership on this.

The short term commitment on securing the site is welcome but we have yet to see a clear plan for cleaning up and whether or not they will take responsibility for the vast cost involved which simply cannot be borne by the local authorities.

Along with Labour colleagues on Teesside, our priority is developing a clear economic strategy for the region, building on our existing industrial and manufacturing strengths and crucially attracting the high skilled and high value jobs we need.

To deliver this, the Mayoral Development Corporation needs to be backed up with real, tangible powers and funding and not simply be a back-patting exercise by Ministers.