MP's 'sensible and ambitious' growth plan is revealed

A LOCAL MP has laid down the gauntlet in a push for investment in East Cleveland.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, launched his growth plan at British Steel in Skinningrove.

The 32-page plan discusses issues deemed important to East Cleveland, including the economy, transport, education and skills, housing, health and wellbeing, as well as wider coordination. Mr Myer has called on Tees Valley Combined Authority to back his plan as the combined authority develops its growth plan to submit to the government. When presented with some of Mr Myer's demands, a spokesperson for TVCA highlighted improvements already being delivered across East Cleveland, adding that the combined authority would continue to work with all the region’s MPs.

In compiling the plan, round tables were held with interested stakeholders, including local residents.

Mr Myer emphasised that his growth plan isn’t political, with contributions from independent councillors, Labour councillors, as well as businesses and charities supporting the plan.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Myer said: "This plan is about two things, so, one is putting in the infrastructure investment needed to grow our existing businesses in East Cleveland and the second is about upgrading transport and skills so that people can access the opportunities in the rest of the region as well."