BEN HOUCHEN: How our community is getting the economy moving

But I wanted to use this space this month to provide some source of optimism and tell everybody about the work I have been doing so Hartlepool and the rest of the Tees Valley can come out of this crisis stronger than ever before. ​

The current circumstances are unprecedented, but by putting in place the building blocks for a stronger economy and with my plan to attract new investment and create good quality local jobs, we will bounce back. ​

The successful outcome of the compulsory purchase inquiry into the former SSI steelworks was a significant moment. Not only was it a key step in my plan to bring steelmaking back to Teesside, it means the whole of the 4,500-acre site can be redeveloped and once again provide good quality, well-paid jobs for local people. ​

This wasn’t the end of the work, it was just the beginning of our efforts and we are getting on with the work that I’ve promised to everyone across the region, and in particular the former steelworkers and their families. ​

That’s why I am pleased that, less than a week on from the judgement, Hartlepoolbased Seymour Civil Engineering started site clearance and preparation work on land known locally as the Grangetown Prairie ​

I’ve always said this redevelopment will be about creating good quality, high skilled jobs for local people across the whole of the Tees Valley. And because of the coronavirus pandemic, we need to do everything we can to support local businesses, and there’s no better way of doing that than giving them work on Europe’s biggest regeneration projects. ​

It has also been another good month for our airport. Global aviation firm Willis has chosen Teesside International Airport as its location for a European aircraft maintenance base, after considering a number of locations across the continent, creating many local jobs in the process. ​

Willis specialise in aircraft maintenance, repairing and maintaining aircrafts for some of the biggest airlines in the world. This is a massive coup for our airport and ensures its future looks bright despite the current difficulties facing the aviation industry. ​

And speaking of new jobs, only last week we had confirmation that British Steel is recruiting 40 new workers in Lackenby. The steeliness in the workers on Teesside must have impressed the bosses at British Steel just as much as me, and I urge anyone looking for work to apply for one of these new roles – we want local jobs to be filled by local people. ​

Our focus remains on protecting our NHS and saving lives, but it is important to get our economy moving again when it is safe to do so, and I am pleased that one again here in Hartlepool and across the rest of the Tees Valley, we are leading the way