TEES Valley is “at the mercy” of more powerful cities and will continue to be starved of transport funds, ministers were told last night.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald led a Commons debate to protest at the neglect of an area plagued by “appalling” trains, non-existent buses and a crumbling rail station.

But the Labour MP warned that dismal record would continue after Tees Valley was shut out of an organisation formed by the Government to push for transport improvements across the North.

Last month, Transport for the North – part of George Osborne’s strategy to create a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ – was set up, to achieve a “world-class, integrated transport network for the North”.

The board will boast representatives from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle, working with Hull and the department for transport – but not Tees Valley.

Mr McDonald warned: “Tees Valley is in danger of having little or no say in the transport infrastructure plans - and being at the mercy of whatever the self-styled core cities of Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield Liverpool and Newcastle decide.”

During the debate, the MP called for:

* The 2020 date for restoring a direct rail link to London to be brought forward – pointing out Middlesbrough is “the largest conurbation in the UK without a direct service to the capital.”

* Electrification of the lines from Northallerton to Teesport – arguing “the benefits to Tees Valley would be enormous”

* Faster local rail services – pointing out the crawls between Middlesbrough and Newcastle (one hour 36 minutes) and Saltburn and Darlington (53 minutes).

* Better bus services – warning that people were unable to take jobs at Teesport and elsewhere, because it was impossible to travel there.

* An extra road crossing of the River Tees – urging ministers to examine a “number of plans that have been prepared over the years”.

* The 30-year-old ‘Pacer’ trains to be scrapped – after Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin hinted they will now survive on some routes.

* Faster repairs to the entrance of Middlesbrough railway station, closed a year ago, saying: “The people of Middlesbrough deserve better. They pay their taxes - unlike some HSBC super wealthy customers.”

Mr McDonald added: “Dresden, Frankfurt and Berlin were all rebuilt in the aftermath of the Second World War.

“Middlesbrough Railway Stations’ beautiful glass and steel domed roof was destroyed by the bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe in 1942 - and we are still waiting for it to be put back!”

In reply, transport minister John Hayes insisted the Government “doesn’t disregard” the Tees Valley – arguing it was “reversing the neglect of previous regimes”.

Mr Hayes vowed to pursue Network Rail over delays to the rail station repairs and said: “A seat at the table of Transport for North for his area is appropriate.”