TWO industrial estates are to be developed and improved in an attempt to attract more businesses.

The regional development agency One NorthEast has granted £1m for a scheme for the industrial estate at Skelton, while planning permission for 11 new buildings on the Liverton Mines industrial estate has also been awarded.

Part of the money for the Skelton estate will be used to build two car parks and improve access roads.

The move has delighted Skelton councillor Dave McLuckie, who has been fighting for the money to come to Skelton. He says rural East Cleveland has more than double the average unemployment levels for a rural area and desperately needs to attract businesses.

A spokeswoman for One NorthEast said consultants were still working on the project but it is expected to get under way in April.

She said: "It is part of the overall strategy for that area and part of the improvement works to bring new life into the estate and help businesses that are already there."

Meanwhile East Cleveland Employment and Training Group is in the early stages of its development at Liverton Mines industrial estate.

Coun David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and ward member for Loftus, said he was pleased with the development.

He said: "It comes at a time when some people are glum regarding the Corus announcement and it is good to see that there is an industrial unit blooming elsewhere in the borough."