BBC NEWS | UK | England | Metro system hope for Tees Valley

A business plan has been submitted to the Department for Transport from Tees Valley Regeneration, and the area's five local authorities.

The network would initially run between Darlington and Saltburn, calling at all existing stations and five new stops including Durham Tees Valley Airport.

It would run on existing rail lines and use funding planned for improving and repairing existing railways.

There are hopes for a second phase to the network, with an extension to Hartlepool and Nunthorpe.

'Dramatic impact'

The Tees Valley Partnership believes the system is necessary for the region's economic recovery.

Chief executive John Lowther said: "This is a very important element in our overall vision of providing the Tees Valley with the fully integrated and sustainable twenty first century transport network.

"We need to both serve the needs of our local communities and drive forward the economic regeneration of the area.

"Experience elsewhere shows the dramatic impact and benefits which can be achieved through the introduction of metro-style systems and the bid demonstrates the commitment of all those involved to make the Tees Valley City Region a force to be reckoned with, both nationally and internationally."

The Department for Transport is expected to make a decision by the end of 2007, and if given the go-ahead the metro could be operational within 10 years.

Tees Valley Regeneration believe the network is vital to the economic recovery of the region.