A FORMER manager at a collapsed steelworks has urged those proposing regeneration plans that could create thousands of jobs not to offer “false hope” to a “battered area”.

But other ex-workers have said they are positive of a “good outcome” after Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen unveiled his vision for the former Redcar steelworks site on Wednesday.

Mr Houchen said the 25-year regeneration ‘masterplan’ has the potential to bring 20,000 jobs to the area, as well as add an additional £1bn per year to the local economy.

More than 2,000 jobs were lost when SSI went into liquidation in 2015, and some of those who worked at the site remain cautious about the proposals.

A former manager at the steelworks, who asked to remain anonymous, said even if jobs were created – they will “not be for ex furnace or steel plant operators in the near or distant future.”

“If a project was announced providing a couple of hundred jobs and they were announced in concrete, then I might be more confident.

“It is easy to make grand announcements quoting huge figures – delivering them is a totally different thing altogether.

“We don’t want false hope given to an already battered area,” he added.

But one worker, who has found employment since the demise of SSI, encouraged Mr Houchen and the South Tees Development Corporation to make the most of the “unique opportunity”.

“There is bitterness and negativity by a lot of people – most of them probably understand that you cannot just knock something down and immediately put up a new plant.

“It will take time, but we are in a unique position having so much waterfront and existing networks.”

The plan proposes demolishing the site of the former Redcar steelworks by 2023, but maintaining a 20-acre site containing the steelwork’s blast furnace -which will be lit up at night.

Proposals also include improvements to road and rail infrastructure, a research centre and nature reserve, as well plans to expand port facilities.

On Wednesday, Mr Houchen said the plans could be “the engine for the next industrial revolution” and will help to repair the “heartache and human tragedy” of the SSI collapse.

He also claimed construction jobs for work on the 4,500 acre site could be available in 2018, with permanent jobs from 2020.

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, said the project will not benefit the men and women who lost their jobs, but she was pleased to see a “very ambitious” plan.