IT is very reassuring to hear Lord Heseltine singing from the regional funding hymn sheet (Echo, Oct 31).

Lord Heseltine realises that to get economic growth moving, it is sub-regions like the Tees Valley that will provide the springboard for business growth and job creation.

Lord Heseltine visited our area only a few weeks ago and he came along to talk with Tees Valley Unlimited Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) members.

Thankfully he listened to the concerns of the five Tees Valley authorities and the business people.

It was pointed out to him that it was of very little use to people in the Tees Valley to say the Tees Valley LEP is one of the best in the country despite it having little or no resources to bring in new companies and provide more jobs.

Lord Heseltine’s report reflects the Tees Valley LEP’s concerns and we wish Lord Heseltine all the best in convincing the Coalition of his regional growth strategy.

If not, the North-East will continue to struggle with the highest unemployment in the country.

Councillor George Dunning, leader, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.