EARLIER this week, Lloyds-TSB received billions more – courtesy of the UK taxpayer.

The latest bail-out means the Government is now the bank’s largest shareholder, with a 43.3 per cent stake.

Chancellor Alistair Darling told MPs that the bank rescue package contained “essential steps in helping the people and businesses of this country and supporting the economy as a whole”.

Sadly, it seems as though no one was listening at Lloyds-TSB.

Just days after receiving our billions, it has pulled the plug on an offshore project that could have brought more than 1,000 jobs to Teesside.

Although part of the project is already completed, bank officials have got cold feet.

Incredibly, the work may now be scrapped and the whole project transferred abroad.

How can a British bank, propped up by British taxpayers’ money, turn its back on a project with the result that all the work goes to the Far East?

Banks, it seems, are happy to take our money, but not so happy to give it back.

Each time the banks receive more billions, the Prime Minister and his Chancellor promise they will lend more to businesses. Each time the promises go unfulfilled.

The time for pussy-footing around is over.

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson needs to bang some heads together.

As investors in Lloyds-TSB, taxpayers expect to see a return on their money – and soon.