Winds of change on the Humber

Then, manufacturing was the country's economic backbone. Today, the economy is far more diverse – a reality that has been overlooked as this year's election draws near.

This is borne out by the Humber's changing fortunes. A forgotten area under the last Tory government when the ports went into decline, it could now enjoy a renaissance – as a major manufacturing base for wind turbines.

In many respects, the Humber's geographical position leaves it uniquely placed to harness wind power, although its effectiveness has still to be proven after some turbines hardly moved during the prolonged freeze when energy demand was at its greatest.

That said, the potential benefits should not be under-estimated. As well as providing an alternative source of power and broadening the energy mix so the country is less beholden to unpredictable countries such as Russia, this strategy could generate up to 10,000 new jobs in

an area that has suffered from a disproportionate level of unemployment for too long.

Yet the Humber would not be in a position to exploit this once-in-a-generation commercial opportunity without the foresight, and vision, of Yorkshire Forward – and its desire to transform this region's

reputation from polluter to green champion through a number of pioneering initiatives.

The regional development agencies will always have their critics. And, in some instances, they have not provided taxpayers with sufficient value for money or accountability.

What such opponents should consider, perhaps, is the future for economically deprived areas, like the Humber ports, if there was not a RDA in place to look to the future – rather than remain entrenched in the past.

For, despite the seriousness of the recession, the only way that this region, and others, can prosper, is by being progressive – and being innovative when green technology, and others, presents opportunities for Yorkshire to remain at the cutting edge of industry and energy policy.