Since I was elected as your MP, I’ve worked hard to support local residents and be a powerful voice for our area. One important part of that has been holding regular surgeries in community venues across the constituency to meet residents firsthand and provide direct support with a range of problems and issues. I was delighted to hold my 40th constituency advice surgery last week in Croxdale. Thank you to the hundreds of residents I’ve met at my surgeries who have come along to raise issues with me in person. It’s a real privilege to be able to get things done for people in our community from dealing with unscrupulous landlords to helping people access financial support they’re entitled to. These surgeries are a great way for me to speak directly with residents and take our concerns back to Parliament.
Tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in our town centre is a top priority, so I’m glad the Labour government has put more resources into policing in our area. To hear more about how this has helped our local police team, I went on patrol with Inspector Adam Jassat, the new Neighbourhood Inspector for Aycliffe, and Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner. I’m glad that our town has benefitted from extra officers and stronger enforcement powers over the busy summer months. It was encouraging to see how a visible police presence is helping people feel safer and more confident about coming into the town centre.
In Parliament I was proud to lead a debate marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which ran through Aycliffe. This historic line opened in 1825 and was the world’s first public passenger railway, sparking a transport revolution that changed the world. Did you know? Heighington Station, which was then known as Aycliffe Lane, is widely believed to have been the first passenger railway station in the world.
And, it’s fantastic that Heighington Station, which has been in a state of decay for some time, has been saved thanks to the brilliant work of the Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway. I was proud to work with the Friends group to help secure a major donation from Hitachi Rail. This was the final piece of the jigsaw which has allowed the Friends group to save the building. Their plans will breathe new life into this important landmark and attract visitors to the area. Protecting this heritage is a fitting way to honour such a milestone.
As part of the SDR200 festival, backed by the government, there are lots of free activities and events on across our area to mark this special occasion, please check out their website for more information – www.sdr200.co.uk.
Just a few hundred yards from Heighington Station, Hitachi Rail is now building cutting edge battery trains. Having fought so hard to secure this factory’s future, our constituency remains at the forefront of rail innovation and technology.
Our constituency has a proud rail history and an even brighter future and I’m determined to keep backing local industry, jobs and opportunities for the next generation.