Member Article

Durham Tees Valley Airport talks ‘encouraging’

Bosses at the Peel Group have described talks with local MPs over the future of Durham Tees Valley Airport as ‘very constructive and very encouraging’.

This verdict came after strategic planning director of the Peel Group Peter Nears met with Stockton South MP James Wharton and Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham at the House of Commons to draw up plans to secure the airports’ future.

Both MPs showed strong support for the airport and recognised the central role it could play in the regeneration of the local economy.

This meeting was the latest in a number of briefing programmes following the announcement that Peel Investments (DVTA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Peel Group, has become a majority shareholder in the airport.

Mr Nears is now calling on MPs and local authorities to recognise the importance of their involvement in plans for Durham Tees Valley Airport over the coming months.

He commented: “During the recent debate on the Civil Aviation Bill in the House of Commons both Mr Wharton and Mr Cunningham took the opportunity to underline the need to secure a long-term future for Durham Tees Valley in the interests of the entire region—and the support of them and their Parliamentary colleagues is very important.

“That is why I was so pleased to have the opportunity to meet James Wharton and Alex Cunningham to underline the commitment of the Peel Group to Durham Tees Valley—and the need for all interests within the area to work together to ensure that we are able to explore every avenue for the development of the airport and indeed the site as a whole.”

The Peel Group is now working with partners, including local councils, airlines, operators and tenants, to develop plans to take the airport forward.

“There are clearly many challenges ahead but I was greatly encouraged by the very positive response we have received so far from our local MPs.” Mr Nears added.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .