Wendy Morton, prospective Conservative candidate for Tynemouth, has welcomed the launch of a Transport Commission for the North of England which was announced at the party's spring forum in Gateshead.

The commission will be chaired by William Hague MP and will specifically address the challenges of improving the transport infrastructure in the region, sich as enhancing links to London and the south, upgrading the A1, and consideration for a high speed rail link to the region.

Wendy took the opportunity of Conservative leader David Cameron's visit to the constituency to impress on him the importance of building an enterprise economy in the north east and the benefits this would have for Tynemouth.

Wendy said: "If our transport links to the rest of the country are improved then more businesses will want to take advantage of the excellent work force we have here.

"Over the past year, every time a shadow transport minister has come to the region I have highlighted the need for better transport links.

"I am delighted that the message has got through and that it is the Conservative Party that is really listening to the people of the north east."