Airport owners asked for public money for new signs
24.09.06
Representatives from Durham Tees Valley Airport tried to persuade the North East development agency to fund new road signs after it changed its name two years ago, the Northern Echo reports. Airport owners Peel Holdings wanted a contribution from regional development agency One NorthEast - but were told: 'You've had enough from us, already.' The road signs directing travellers to an airport have still not been updated.
Opponents criticised the decision to re-brand the former Teesside Airport to Durham Tees Valley and claimed that the cost of altering the signs - estimated at £250,000 - was a waste of money. Last night, on the eve of the second anniversary of the switch, The Northern Echo learned that airport bosses had tried to get public cash to pay for the changes.
A spokesman for One NorthEast told the newspaper: 'We were approached for funding for new signage, but declined as we considered this a matter for the airport operators. However, One NorthEast has invested heavily in the future of the airport, funding a new £2m access road, the £530,000 passenger shuttle bus link from the main terminal to Darlington railway station and helped route development into Durham Tees Valley, such as the new Brussels service.'
A total of 135 signs need to be replaced - some with wording and some with an aeroplane image - but bosses at the airport said that they were confident that they will be updated by the end of this year. Project manager Gordon Smith said that the airport owners were on the verge of finalising an agreement with the Highways Agency to begin the work.
To book a durham tees valley airport hotels or durham tees valley airport parking at the lowest price click on these links to durham tees valley airport parking and durham tees valley airport hotels price comparison websites.
