Three-quarters want state aid for steel - new poll

BBC Tees have released a new poll on local people's thoughts about the steel industry today.

Nothing that might startle but it suggests really strong support for the industry, and real concern about what'll happen to Teesside's economy without it.

Three-quarters of people surveyed think the area's economy will get worse next year.

Nine out of ten think the steel industry is important to the area, and more than three- quarters want to see taxpayers' money used to save jobs at Corus in Redcar.

Workers held a march before Middlesbrough's home game on Sunday.

They certainly want to keep the plight of the plant in the public eye.

But we are no nearer as yet any sign of hope for the works and the 1,700 jobs.

We'll be keeping an eye out next year to see if there are any implications politically in terms of a backlash against Labour.

The Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson gave a stark warning to Teesside's five Labour MPs to expect a ballot box backlash if the jobs aren't saved.

The Moss Week:

Enjoying: England, My England, a book of photography by Chris Steele-Perkins, dating back 40 years, including many shots in the North East.

Reading: Inside Out by Gideon Haigh. A book by one of the greatest cricket writers around today, if you're into that sort of thing.

Listening to: The Liberty of Norton Folgate by Madness. A really surprising late-career masterpiece. Sad I missed their gig in Newcastle now.

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