A WOMAN has written a heartfelt open letter to David Cameron, pleading for Redcar steelworks to be 'brought back from the dead'.

An open letter to David Cameron from Redcar steelworks

Dear David,

Allow me to introduce myself as I don't think we've ever met, or let's say I have never seen you here before.

I am the steelworks at Redcar, Teesside. Many years ago a previous prime minister called Gladstone called my neighbour, Middlesbrough, 'The Infant Hercules' as between my steelworks and the numerous steelworks along the North-East coast, we made the finest iron and steel in the world.

The Northern Echo:

Indeed, you could say we were the engine that powered the industrial revolution. In fact our metallic fingerprint can be found on many of the world's most iconic structures.

Ah yes, those were the days when my iron and steel was highly prized and respected, as was my loyal and hard-working workforce.

So here we are, almost 170 years after my finest steel went out into the world... my works, my workers and my steel discarded by your government. Why? We put our trust in you.

My steelworks is the beating heart of Teesside, my steely arteries are far reaching ensuring the livelihoods of thousands of families.

I was on life-support five years ago but was thankfully brought back from the dead. And now... you want to kill me and kill off the communities and lifeblood of work to my faithful steelworkers. Shame on you!

It's down to you now, David. My life-support is yours to turn off and this time I won't be coming back from the dead. It's in your power to save me, my workforce and the future of thousands of people on Teesside and beyond.

It's your decision. The last rites have been read today and my steel family have been informed.

Please... bring me back from the dead, feed me with the finance I need until I'm strong again. I ask you one last time.

Yours in urgent anticipation,

Redcar steelworks