A TROUBLED North-East airport could close in 2021 if a plan to bring it back into public ownership fails, an MP has claimed.

Alex Cunningham, Stockton North MP, said he fears the closure of Durham Tees Valley Airport is "exactly what is on the cards" when the current arrangements run out in three years.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pledged to buy the loss-making airport, which has struggled for flights and passengers in recent years, during his election campaign.

Mr Cunningham said: “Those plans to develop the airport are shrouded in secrecy. The parties involved are bound by confidentiality agreements.

“And those of us who are asking questions on behalf of the people we represent are getting very limited answers.

“We know some things though. That the £5m grant to create an access road to the south side of the airport to allow further development has been allowed to lapse. Why?

“He doesn’t actually confirm the airport will close in 2021 when the current arrangements run out but I fear that is exactly what is on the cards, if the mayor fails to sort this out

“The final sentence of Robert Hough’s letter does tell a story. He apologises to me for not being able to be more helpful but adds ‘we hope we will receive support from the combined authority to take the airport forward in the most sensible and appropriate way - but the ball is not in our court’.

“So that means the ball is in the mayor’s court. The man who blocked a grant to the airport to attract more holiday flights just last year.

“Who is going to buy an airport that continues to lose millions? I certainly don’t want the council taxpayers of the Tees Valley picking up that bill.

“It is time the secrecy ended, we get answers and are told how the mayor is going to buy the airport.

Mr Houchen said: "Almost 15 years since Labour flogged our airport for just £500,000, I’m pleased that MPs are now finally awake to the fact that Teesside Airport could close – something I’ve been saying for two years.

“I’m clear that the only way to save our airport from closure is to bring it back under public ownership. But I’m also clear that unlike Labour, I won’t give money to Peel for nothing in return.

“I’ll be presenting my plan to save our airport very soon for Cabinet approval. My plan will be public, voted on, and won’t require a single penny from local council tax payers. We also have an established UK airport operator willing to step in if we reach a deal.

“It’s my plan, or potential closure.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Peel for a comment.