IT was refreshing to see Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald respond to my comments (HAS, July 4).

I’ve actually tried contacting Mr McDonald about various issues recently without success, so it’s interesting to see our MP can find the time to respond to sensitive letters in the media when he can’t even be bothered to reply to emails or letters from his constituents.

Considering he’s Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary no less, Mr McDonald has watched on while other politicians have campaigned for our airport, including his local Labour colleagues as well as Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston and Tees mayor Ben Houchen.

As they have fought to save it, and campaigned to rename it Teesside Airport, Mr McDonald has been busy picking his nose – more concerned taking ‘selfies’ with Jeremy Corbyn – blissfully oblivious to one of the biggest talking points in his region.

Middlesbrough has one of the worst railway stations in the country; his town has terrible transport infrastructure (eg the Marton crawl); it’s the least connected big town in the North-East; and he has done literally nothing to save our airport.

And this man is supposed to be the Shadow Transport Secretary?

Mr McDonald is ignoring his transport brief, ignoring his constituents and ignoring local issues – but thankfully, at least, he’s responding to my letters in the media.

Martin Walker, Middlesbrough