As part of our coverage of Stevenage's 75th anniversary, we asked MP Stephen McPartland to tell us what he thinks the future holds for his constituency.
The future for Stevenage is bright and exciting after a difficult year. I am proud to have taken part in some of the amazing work nationally and locally to support our community through this difficult time.
I worked closely with our local councils, health service, emergency services and a range of partners, as we had to adapt to new ways of working with the Government creating new systems such as furlough and the Self Employed Income Scheme.
I was in daily contact with ministers on behalf of local organisations and these relationships, locally and nationally, meant Stevenage was often at the forefront of support.
We had the first mass vaccine site available and led the way with the vaccine rollout. Our local hospital, GP surgeries and a pharmacy were also rolling out vaccines, while the number of key workers in our area is staggering, with many of our schools having 50 per cent of children attending all the way through.
Last year I opened Platform 5, which is an important part of the economic recovery that must take place with Stevenage leading the way. I know there are questions about the role of commuter towns in the future, but we know from passenger numbers that they are rebounding quickly in our area and we are not just a commuter town. We are the economic engine of Hertfordshire.
Gunnels Wood Road is the largest employment area in the country, with over 20,000 people working in everything from small companies to multinationals. There are huge new investments planned that will create thousands of new jobs and apprentices.
The Government is working closely with our councils and we have given another £37.5 million in a town deal for Stevenage to help kickstart a number of projects, on top of £30 million we have given in Growth Deals to kickstart town centre regeneration.
I am also working closely with partners to develop more mental health infrastructure and services too. Herts police now employ more police officers than at any time in their history and the number is increasing. There is so much more to do at an exciting time for our town.
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