MPs are to get the chance to learn more about the importance of the deal which will bring a state-of-the-art rail assembly plant to Newton Aycliffe.

Durham County Council is behind an information reception at The House of Commons on September 4th which will be hosted by our MP, Phil Wilson.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council will join Mr Wilson to welcome representatives from Parliament, Hitachi Rail Europe (HRE) and Merchant Place Developments (MPD), the company which owns the industrial area where the plant will be constructed.

The purpose of the event is to offer all MPs the opportunity to learn more about the contract and the chance to speak with the parties involved in its successful delivery.

Cllr Henig, said: “The presence of Hitachi Rail Europe in Newton Aycliffe offers very significant economic benefits to the county and the region but it is also important to set it in a national context.

“The fact that the company’s research and development facility will sit alongside the assembly plant puts the site and the county firmly on the world stage as an engineering centre.

“This is a very important moment for County Durham and we must ensure we make the most of it and the economic opportunities it offers.”

Phil Wilson MP, who is to host the event in Parliament said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome the County Council to Westminster, especially when Hitachi Rail Europe will be in attendance. Hitachi’s new factory, to be opened in Newton Aycliffe will create hundreds of jobs and will bring train building back to the birthplace of the railways.

“I do not believe we should forget the campaign the North East launched to bring Hitachi to the region and the central role played by Durham County Council. The council’s foresight, under Councillor Simon Henig’s leadership, helped to secure the deal for County Durham.”