CAMPAIGNERS have called on the Government to return train manufacturing to the birthplace of railways as part of a “perfect project”.

Nearly 200 people gathered at Amazon Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Saturday to show their support for a campaign to award Hitatchi the £7.5bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

The Japanese firm has indicated it would build a factory on the site if it secures the deal.

The scheme would see the Government make a small initial investment and commit to buying the high-speed trains produced there. The bulk of the £40m start-up costs would be paid by a private consortium led by Hitatchi.

It is estimated the factory would employ 800 people and create a further 8,000 jobs in the supply chain.

A report by the County Durham Development Company (CDDC) revealed the project would boost the North-East economy by £660m over 20 years, bringing in £48 for every £1 spent by the Government.

Stewart Watkins, CDDC managing director, described the plans as the “perfect project”.

He said he was pleased to see children joining the campaign as high-tech industry would “boost their aspirations”.

Mr Watkins said: “The only hurdle left is getting the Government to agree, but I think we’ve demonstrated today that they’ll have the 100 per cent support of the community if they do.”

Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, said the site’s proximity to the track that transported trains made in Shildon to the rest of the country in 1825 was significant. He said: “We’re only a few hundred metres away from the birthplace of the industrial railway, so to bring the industry back here would be perfect.”

Shaun Stewart, chief executive of South Durham Enterprise Agency, said the factory would have a knock-on effect on businesses across the region. He said: “There are some tremendous opportunities in the supply chain for small businesses.”

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman said this was a test for the coalition Government to prove they care about the North-East.

The Government will make a decision on the IEP during the comprehensive spending review next month. Campaigners will make their case to transport secretary Phil Hammond tomorrow.

All-party backing for campaign

THE creation of a Hitachi factory is far more important than political rivalries, political opponents have agreed.

The Northern Echo’s Back on Track campaign has attracted high-profile support from Labour politicians, including party leadership candidates and members of Labour-led Durham County Council.

And Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council’s Conservative groups announced this week they are also in support of the Hitachi project.

Richard Bell, county councillor for Barnard Castle West and leader of the Durham Conservative group, said the Tories have written to the coalition Government to express support.

He said: “We feel that this is such a strong case it’s important it gets all-party support.

“We hope by announcing the Conservative groups are in support we can clearly show the Government what a strong campaign this is.

“This would be massive private sector investment in an area with a long and proud history of locomotive building. It doesn’t matter what party you’re from, everybody will benefit.”

Labour’s Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, welcomed the support of the Conservatives.

He said: “The fact that all three main parties agree on this proves the common sense of having the Hitachi site here.”