PLANS to create a second river crossing in an industrial area have won influential support.

A second crossing of the Tees at Middlesbrough is being considered as part of the revised Tees Valley Structure Plan.

The road and rail link would most likely stretch from South Bank to Port Clarence, and would occupy brownfield sites.

Several influential groups have voiced support for the planned crossing during consultations on the plan.

Richard Jones, a transport team leader with the joint strategy unit, said: "The plan has got support from people such as the local Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Teesside Green Party and a number of consultants representing house building firms."

While consultations are set to continue for several months before a final plan is produced, Councillor Dave Walsh, Tees Valley Joint Strategy Committee chairman, said he hoped the crossing would stay.

"At the present time, it stands as a proposal in the Tees Valley Structure Plan," he said.

"We see it as having great benefit in opening up under-used brown site land in the riverside area and at the same time, potentially stopping the westward drift of industry and jobs to the A19 corridor."