AN MP has made a fresh call for the Government to back the regeneration of a former steelworks site.

Speaking in Westminster Hall on Wednesday, Anna Turley, Redcar MP, called a debate to “send a strong message to investors around the world that the Tees Valley is open for business, with the full support of the government behind it.”

She was joined by other Tees Valley MPs including Andy McDonald and Simon Clarke.

Ms Turley said: "The support we have received so far from the government are a welcome demonstration that there is government appetite there to be seen help us to deliver this.

"However, if those investors are going to commit to bring their investment to Teesside, then they need to know, when they are heading in to negotiations with the Development Corporation, that the government is fully behind this project

"For those investors to be confident that Teesside is the place to be, they need greater certainty that the Development Corporation is equipped with everything it needs to deliver, and the long term financial commitment of the government is certain."

Mr Clarke confirmed talks to secure the land from the Thai banks had been extended from October to February, but if a deal isn’t done by then, then land will be compulsorily purchased.

Steel minister Richard Harrington pledged Government support for the South Tees project but insisted issues over land were complex and could time.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “After months of talking down our area, I am pleased to see our area’s MPs have seen the light and are now fully behind my plans to bring that site back to life. Only by working together for the people of Teesside can we achieve truly amazing things.

“Since my election we have established the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside of London, have been awarded £137m from government, and secured the UK’s first Special Economic Zone to ensure big business picks up some of the clean-up costs.

“The site is alive with opportunity. Good jobs are being created, but it is now a personal priority of mine is to ensure local workers are at the front of the queue – as was acknowledged by MPs in the debate.”