THE formation of the Tees Valley Partnership and its efforts to develop a vision of the future have been welcomed by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

At a meeting of the board of the Tees Valley Partnership earlier this week, Mr Blair said he was delighted the partnership involved all the leaders of key organisations in the Tees Valley working together on a long term plan for the areas economy.

He stressed that it would require a sustained concerted effort to develop an economic and social infrastructure that would cope with future challenges and changes.

Alistair Arkley, chairman of the Tees Valley Partnership said: "The Prime Minister took on board what we had to say about finding solutions and developing a 'made in the Tees Valley' strategy which will provide a much needed injection to the local economy.

"We asked the Prime Minister for help to 'fast track' the agreed solutions to speed up the pace at which we can turn the vision into a reality in planning especially in respect of brownfield sites, in transport, especially in respect of light transport systems and the A66 in support of the chemical industry and its research base at Wilton.

"Mr Blair clearly embraced the concept of the Tees Valley itself, the crucial role of the partnership and our vision for the future and he recognised the commitment that is required from all partners if we are to transform our vision into reality."