Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has again stressed the need for local councils, Tees Valley Unlimited, MPs and everyone else to work together to ensure Durham Tees Valley Airport survives and thrives.
Alex, who has a large part of the airport in his constituency, was speaking after meeting with Peter Nears, Strategic Planning Director for the Peel Group, which now own 89% of the airport.
The meeting was arranged for Mr Nears to update Alex on the hopes and aspirations that Peel has for the future of the airport – and to hear how a joint approach from everyone in the Tees Valley is needed to grow the airport and sustain it.
Alex said:
“We all want to see the airport survive and then thrive but are also aware that the economic environment is far from easy – and much has to be achieved if our ambition for Durham Tees Valley is to be realised.
“I know the local Councils are committed to working with Peel but don’t doubt that there are some difficult decisions to be taken over the coming months and many issues to be resolved.
“It was, however, useful to hear of Peel’s commitment to ensuring Durham Tees Valley isn’t left in the last century but can be developed into a 21st century facility which local people and businesses will be proud to use.
“The Government, too, have a responsibility to ensure a future for our airport. The Prime Minister himself said that it was an important asset for our area so I hope they will play a positive part and make the kind of decisions that can make the difference.
“For that we need everyone to be talking constructively and taking the right actions to guarantee Durham Tees Valley Airport’s future.”