CIVIC leaders have united to call for rail links across the North-East to be electrified.

Tees Valley local authority leaders and local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) say a comprehensive electrification of the rail network would help to unlock the area’s economic potential.

The Northern Echo revealed on Wednesday how hopes were growing that the Middlesbrough to Northallerton line could be earmarked for electrification by the Government, clearing the way for direct high-speed rail links to London.

Today (Thursday, January 22), TVU and the area’s five councils have urged ministers to electrify rail lines across the North-East as soon as possible.

They argue that the lines between the East Coast Main Line and Middlesbrough and Teesport should be included in the Trans-Pennine North electrification scheme, which has already begun.

They say this would provide a significant benefit immediately, and would pave the way for further electrification of the Durham Coast and Tyne Valley lines during the next 15 years.

The leaders have also repeated calls for the replacement of the unpopular Pacer trains which are used extensively by Northern Rail.

And they have urged for a change in timetables to meet the changes in land use patterns, the needs of businesses and people’s changing lifestyles.

Sandy Anderson, TVU chairman, said: “Effective and efficient transport networks are crucial to the Tees Valley economy, which is why TVU, with the support of our partners and stakeholders, is pushing for improvements to the area’s rail infrastructure.

"In particular, we believe that the implementation of a comprehensive line electrification programme for the North East is vital to our efforts to improve the area’s economic prospects.”

Councillor Robbie Payne, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s regeneration services committee, added: “Connectivity sits at the heart of growth and the establishment of thriving 21st Century economies and we are determined that TeesValley’s rail tracks, rolling stock and stations are enhanced for the benefit of local industry and residents.”

Councillor George Dunning, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said improvements to the region's rail network were vital for the economy.

“The highest quality rail infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting additional housing and job growth throughout Tees Valley as well as improving connectivity with other parts of the country.”

The Government's electrification taskforce will meet today (Thursday, January 22) to discuss the next routes across the North of England to be upgraded.