The Under Secretary of State for Transport, Andrew Jones MP met with local businesses at Dalton Industrial Estate (11 January) to see the problems they have to contend with first hand.
Dalton Bridge – the gateway to the Dalton Industrial Estate near Thirsk – has been blighted by flooding for many years. When flooding occurs it often results in the narrow stone hump backed bridge being closed for days thereby restricting access to the estate and for the community
Dalton Industrial Estate houses some of the district’s largest companies – many of which were founded there and now have global reach. It employs around 850 people in everything from steel stockists and pet food production to the second largest privately owned perfume and flavour business.
Planning permission has been granted for a new bridge and a section of road at an elevated level with flood embankments to give a 1 in 100 year flood protection to 350m of new carriageway.
A new bridge will unlock the door to potential growth of the companies already trading there and attract new businesses – leading to new jobs and a boost for the local economy.
“We are delighted to receive the attention of the Minister regarding the bridge scheme for Dalton Industrial Estate,” said Roy Fishwick Managing Director of Cleveland Steel and Tubes.
“I appreciate the time and effort in light of all of the significant flood events over the festive period. We have lost access to the estate three times already this winter. I understand that people are questioning the priority of this scheme but I would like to emphasize that the businesses are responsible for the delivery of this scheme and are providing a very significant proportion of the funding, on top of our normal tax and rates payments. Moreover if the estate achieves the growth we all know it can then this will provide significant new tax revenues to the local area.”
Businesses are now working in partnership with Hambleton District Council to attract further external grant funding with a view to construction commencing in the summer.