A COUNCIL leader has been urged by opposition councillors to support Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen's plans to buy Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Sue Jeffrey, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has been told to support Mr Houchen's plans for the airport, which will be put to a vote on Thursday, by Conservative, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors.

In a letter to Cllr Jeffrey signed by Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Josh Mason, Conservative Cllr Cliff Foggo, The Independent Group leader Cllr Mary Lanigan and independent councillors Ann Higgins and Bill Clarke, the council leader has been urged to "put aside party politics for the good of the region, and for the people we represent".

The letter states: "On behalf of the majority of councillors on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council – 31 in total - we are writing to ask that you vote in favour of the £1.4bn Tees Valley Investment Plan.

On the airport, like you, we were at first naturally sceptical of taking a loss-making asset back into public ownership. Durham Tees Valley has struggled for a number of years, and we all needed urgent clarifications and guarantees there was a plan in place to return our airport to profit. Importantly, we’re pleased to note that the airport plan will have no direct financial implications for the people we represent, and that there will be no financial impact on our local authority.

"Indeed, we believe that the presence of a thriving airport nearby would add another string to the Development Corporation’s bow."

Mr Houchen is hoping to secure the support of all five Labour council leaders for his ambitious £40m scheme.