Spending Review: Humber ports' 'front runner' call

Business leaders are calling for Humber ports to be the "front runner" for renewable energy funding announced in the government's Spending Review.

Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce said the region had "huge potential" and should benefit from some of the £200m funds earmarked for port sites.

Earlier this month plans for a £100m Humber port development were approved, which could create up to 5,000 jobs.

The chamber said government backing could help investment in the area.

Richard Kendall, the chamber's policy executive, said: "The Humber should be the front runner for this fund. We have huge potential for developments in renewable energy linked to the Humber ports."

Meanwhile, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said it believed it would have to make up to £7m in cuts to its budget by 2015.

A spokesman said this would be confirmed in December when funding details were clarified.