THE North-East Chamber of Commerce is urging speedy action to develop a gateway site into Middlesbrough.

The 39-acre site next to Middlehaven, near the A66 at Cargo Fleet, has been earmarked for a 100,000sq ft Asda superstore, but a final decision has been delayed until after a public inquiry.

Peter Penn Milton, area manager for the chamber's Tees Valley office, said: "We would urge that an inquiry and decision take place as soon as possible, so that a development, in whatever form, can start.

"The site has been derelict for almost ten years now.

"While we recognise the need for a public inquiry, it is clear that businesses in the area are concerned with the effects of the dereliction.

"Middlehaven is a key site and our members recognise its development is essential to the rejuvenation of the area.

"At the moment it is an eyesore that doesn't help to attract new business."

At an open meeting in December, members of the Tees Valley office voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Asda development.

At an open meeting in DecemberChamber members have givenJeff Fryer, chairman of the chamber's Tees Valley committee, has sent a letter to the executive officer of the Government office for the North-East, asking that the views of chamber members be taken into consideration.

At an open meeting in December, members of the Tees Valley office, voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Asda development.

More than 90 per cent of companies either attended the meeting, or took part in an email survey of more than 600, and supported the plans, approved by Middlesbrough Council's planning and development committee in November.