Former NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd backs RDAs

Feb 12 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

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FORMER Newcastle United chief Freddy Shepherd has launched an angry attack on Tory plans to scrap regional development agencies.

The tycoon’s marine firm Shepherd Offshore is at the centre of plans to create thousands of jobs through a renewable energy park on the North Bank of the River Tyne.

Over the past week, he has hosted a string of politicians interested in the company’s blueprint for breathing fresh life into shipyards left empty by the demise of the once-booming industry.

Mr Shepherd yesterday welcomed Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who was shown around the former Dobson’s Yard, previously occupied by Watson Norrie, which closed last year leading to the loss of 700 jobs.

But it was the visit of Conservative shadow business secretary Ken Clarke that had the biggest impact on Mr Shepherd, who runs the family company with brother Bruce.

Both Mr Clark and Mr Clegg have indicated they may scrap RDAs if either of their respective parties win power at the next General Election.

Mr Shepherd said: "We are a non-political organisation but our priority is creating jobs for the region in the renewable energy sector.

"Ken Clarke came here and made a strong point about the future of regional development agencies (RDAs) like One North East but we have completely the opposite view to him.

"I made a strong point back to him that we are in favour of RDAs and when he told me he would like to get rid of them, I told him ‘you’re wrong’.