As the clock keeps ticking and there is still no news about the future of Cleveland Bridge and 153 staff still on its books, there is understandable concern that this could end with bad news.

Despite repeated requests for information - from senior figures as well as The Northern Echo - there has been no word, not even a hint of positive progress.

We all genuinely hope that the delay is being caused by intense and detailed negotiations to save the last job, the last contract so there is enough to build on when the re-opening happens.

But The Echo understands at least two organisations involved at an early stage are no longer part of the discussions. One is believed to be a hugely experienced bridge-builder from America and the other a British-based investment group.

Only the companies themselves and the Administration team from FRP, led by Martyn Pullin, know why they thought it might be for them - and what changed their minds. Did they look at the books and see that the whole operation was just too far gone, that the maths wouldn’t work out or did FRP turn down an offer because it would have ripped the heart out of the business?

But it’s not a matter of who didn’t want it, it’s a matter of who is left at the table.

We reported one week ago that it seemed there was a clear contender remaining, someone who had seen the same figures everyone else had and still saw a way to make it work.

We don’t know whether they want it all or whether the assets would have to be split, but if there is one remaining bid that gives us something - anything - it is better than nothing.

The biggest fear for the whole region is that other option.

Nothing.

Mass redundancies and a ‘To Let’ sign would be a crushing blow and the harshest reminder of all that among all the good news, hundreds of families have to fight for their futures here every day.