Simon wants to improve connectivity in our area in all its different forms, from tackling poor internet quality in Coulby Newham to ending the culture of neglect that has seen some of East Cleveland's towns like Loftus abandoned and ignored for far too long.
Today I visited Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to discuss the next steps for a possible rail solution to the Marton Crawl. I'm hopeful we can investigate the case for a new train station outside Nunthorpe with a park and ride for commuters from East Cleveland.
Happy New Year! Have a really great time tonight. There's a hugely exciting 2019 ahead - please SHARE this post to spread the word about what's coming up!
The fight to solve the Marton Crawl continues, and on Friday I held really good talks with passionate campaigners determined to ensure we get the right solution. This seems a good time to share a number of important updates:
The breaking news that Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, has agreed a deal to rescue our airport is amazing, and I know will be hugely welcomed across our constituency.
Ben made a promise to buy Durham Tees Valley airport and he has delivered.
There's hugely welcome news for our area in the Budget today - most importantly that the Chancellor has pledged £14 million to prepare specific sites for two major new metals projects to move into the Mayoral Development Corporation site at Redcar.
In last year's Budget, the Government announced a new railcard to give 4.5 million young people one-third off their rail fares. On top of the existing railcard for 18-25 year olds, there is now a dedicated railcard for 26-30 year olds too.
People in Brotton regularly tell me they need a bus service to the retail park in Skelton-in-Cleveland. I met Phil Smith, our area chief from Arriva North East to discuss the problem and hand over a petition signed by hundreds of local residents.
I've held really interesting talks with Steve Walker, the Managing Director of Stagecoach Bus in the North East. He shared some facts which show exactly why it is so important we sort out traffic congestion in south Middlesbrough - despite Middlesbrough Labour being in denial:
There's really positive news to share today - namely that following the meeting Ben Houchen - Tees Valley Mayor and I had with TransPennine Express earlier this month, Transport for the North have approved a franchise change that will see direct trains run to and from Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Manc
