MEMBERS of the SSI Task Force met on the eve of the third anniversary of its closure to discuss what the scheme has delivered for the area in the wake of the demise of the steelworks site.

Of the original £53 million of Government funding delegated to the Task Force more than £49 million has now been committed.

The money has been spent on training to help former workers find new jobs, advice and financial support for those wanting to set up a new business, and the creation of new jobs by helping existing Tees Valley businesses to grow.

Chair of the Task force, Amanda Skelton, said: “Help is still available for people who want to set up a new business or who have an existing business they want to grow.

“The demand for training is drying up so we feel this part of our programme will come to a natural close at the end of the year. However, we continue our focus on creating more jobs by doing all we can to strengthen the local economy.

“We have invested in the new TeesAMP in Middlesbrough which will create 180,000sq. ft. of advanced manufacturing space across 17 buildings that will attract major investment, delivering jobs and skills and have committed to do the same in Redcar and Cleveland by expanding existing business parks.

“Later this year we will launch a new community bank for the whole of South Tees with branches in Redcar and Middlesbrough.

“We have also agreed to provide some funding to help secure a fantastic new project in Grangetown which will create new jobs and apprenticeships where they are most needed.”

Its legacy will live on through the new employment hubs at Skinningrove and Grangetown. These facilities support anyone out of work or looking for a better job and can be contacted by calling 01642-459035 for the Grangetown Employment Hub and 01287-644761 for the East Cleveland Training & Employment Hub.