AIRPORT security has been boosted with the appointment of a firm to patrol the area around the site.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) has announced that it has extended its partnership with Teesside-based Close Protection Security Limited.

The business, which operates out of the airport’s grounds, already provides a security detail for the St George Hotel situated on the DTVA site and services to high-profile clients using the airport.

Following a consultation with tenants at the airport, DTVA has engaged Close Protection Security to provide additional patrols around the landside area of the airport.

Shaun Woods, airport manager at DTVA, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Close Protection Security. We already have a close relationship with the company thanks to the security work at St George Hotel.

“With that existing agreement in mind, it made sense to bring Close Protection Security on-board for land-side security duties. The move followed concerns raised by residents, which we take very seriously.”

The financial details of the contract between DTVA and Close Protection Security are commercially sensitive, but the agreement will work on a rolling basis.

Chris Petty and Glenn Bartlett, Directors of Close Protection Security, added: “As an established but ambitious and growing security firm, we are delighted to have agreed on this prestigious deal to support the region’s airport with their security requirements.

“As a proud Teesside firm, we’re passionate about our airport and we’re excited to be playing our own small part in helping both the Tees Valley Mayor and Stobart Group return it to the successful operation our region wants.”

Earlier this year, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen confirmed his plan to acquire the airport was approved at a cabinet meeting of the Tees Valley Combined Authority – fulfilling the election pledge he made to the people of the Tees Valley.

The deal resulted in the Peel Group’s 89 per cent shareholding in the airport and 819 acres of surrounding land transferred to the Mayor and Combined Authority.

Welcoming the latest announcement, the Conservative politician said: “Now that our airport has returned to public ownership, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure local businesses are at the front of the queue for new contracts.

“Chris and Glenn at Close Protection Security have done a fantastic job so far, and I’m delighted we’re able to give them some extra work to bulk up security on the airport site.”