THE announcement of 1,000 jobs at the proposed Amazon Park, in Heighington Lane, is another sign that our economy in Newton Aycliffe is doing well.

What a contrast to the Nineties when business confidence was rock bottom. With thousands unemployed, companies closing and interest rates rocketing, the future looked bleak.

Local businesses have worked really hard for this success. A lot of the credit should also go to the Government, which has created the stable conditions that allow business to thrive.

As the Sedgefield by-election gets closer, a lot of company directors will be reflecting that Labour has been good for business, and I for one will be voting for a Labour MP on July 19, not putting all our hard-won gains at risk.

Martin McTague, Managing Director, Ecotech UST Ltd, and Chairman, North-East Business Forum, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.