CAMPAIGNERS hoping to see the next generation of highspeed trains built in the North-East have sent a letter to the Japanese Prime Minister highlighting his country’s strong links with the region.

Yesterday, Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson and Davey Hall, Unite regional secretary, delivered the letter to the Japanese embassy, in London, for officials to pass to Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

The letter stresses the desire of union, business and political leaders in the region to see Hitachi build a factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to build trains for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

The Japanese manufacturer will find out next month if it has been awarded the contract by the Government.

Hitachi bosses have already indicated they would build the plant to assemble the trains if it gets the go-ahead.

The letter stated that the North-East had a “very special affinity” with Japanese industry, with the region’s workforce helping to ensure Nissan in Sunderland was the most productive car plant in Europe.

It continued: “We are all incredibly proud of our strong industrial links with Japan.

“We hope to get the opportunity to build upon the success with Nissan and emulate it for the benefit of Hitachi and the North-East of England.”

The letter informed the Japanese Prime Minister that a delegation of North-East union and business leaders, together with Mr Wilson, would meet Government ministers to discuss the IEP on September 21.

The letter concluded: “We would be delighted to hear if there is anything you feel can be done to further support our effort to bring train manufacturing to the North-East through Hitachi.”

Speaking after handing over the letter, Mr Wilson said: “We used this opportunity to get in touch with the Japanese Prime Minister and to reinforce just how important we see this potential investment in the North-East is.

“We will do everything we can to ensure that Hitachi comes to the region and that Hitachi is made to feel very welcome.”