LOCAL authority leaders and Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) have called for a comprehensive electrification of the rail network in the North East to help unlock its economic potential.

TVU and the area’s five councils are concerned that constraints in the current rail infrastructure are stopping it achieving its full economic potential. They want the comprehensive line electrification programme and for the section between the East Coast Mainline and Middlesbrough and Teesport to be included in the Trans-Pennine North Electrification scheme.

They argue this would provide an immediate significant benefit, and would also pave the way for further electrification of the Durham Coast and Tyne Valley lines during the next 15 years.

They also say the replacement of the "unloved" Pacer trains is a fundamental requirement and have called for a change in timetables to meet the needs of businesses and people’s changing lifestyles.

Sandy Anderson, TVU chairman, said: “Effective and efficient transport networks are crucial to the Tees Valley economy, which is why TVU, with the support of our partners and stakeholders, is pushing for improvements to the area’s rail infrastructure. In particular, we believe that the implementation of a comprehensive line electrification programme for the North East is vital to our efforts to improve the area’s economic prospects.”

Coun Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVU vice chairman, said: “Our case is based on hard economics as modern and efficient rail infrastructure is crucial because of the housing and business developments that are taking shape throughout Tees Valley.”

Coun Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Borough Council, said, “Historically, railways have made a significant contribution to building strong and successful economies across Tees Valley. We must ensure that Tees Valley does not miss out as improvements, such as line electrification, are rolled out across the rail network.”