Neighbourhood vitality and community cohesion stand as fundamental pillars for towns and cities throughout Britain. Following a challenging decade of austerity and cuts to essential local services—including libraries, leisure facilities, and youth centres—targeted investment is now critically needed across Stockport. As the local Member of Parliament, I am dedicated to supporting residents, local businesses, charitable organisations, and community groups that are passionately focused on enhancing their immediate surroundings and improving quality of life.
Transforming Visions into Local Reality
I actively strive to assist local initiatives in turning their ambitious visions into tangible realities. A recent example involves collaborative work with the organisation Re:dish to secure the use of land they aim to develop into a welcoming pocket park. Upon completion, this green space will deliver significant benefits not only to the wider Reddish community but also to the dedicated Re:dish volunteers and the individuals who utilise their services. If you represent a local group or charity based within the Stockport constituency and are seeking support to bring a community-focused project to fruition, I encourage you to get in touch.
Securing Major Government Investment for Brinnington
Beyond providing tailored support to individual projects, I work diligently to ensure areas across Stockport receive their fair share of central Government funding. I am therefore absolutely delighted to confirm that I am delivering a substantial £20 million investment for Brinnington through the transformative Pride of Place Programme. This funding is far more than a mere political slogan; it represents a genuine opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of people living in Brinnington.
To ensure this investment truly reflects local priorities, I am actively seeking the views of Brinnington residents on precisely where and how this money should be allocated. Last weekend, I held a community drop-in session in Brinnington to hear directly from residents, as they possess the deepest understanding of what is best for their own neighbourhood.
This commitment translates to £2 million being invested in Brinnington every single year for the next decade. These funds will be directed towards projects that create local jobs and opportunities, enhance community facilities, revitalise youth services, improve green spaces, and help make our streets more welcoming and attractive. We are decisively turning the tide on years of chronic under-investment, and I am immensely proud that it is this Labour Government delivering concretely for working people.
Advocacy on Health, Transport, and Welfare
My work extends to pressing for vital funding in other key areas. In Westminster last month, I met again with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to discuss securing further investment for Stepping Hill Hospital. This follows the £2.6 million allocated last year—which I had long campaigned for—to address essential repairs and maintenance of the hospital's buildings.
I have also welcomed the Government's strong commitments to fixing our roads, improving rail connectivity across the North of England, and tackling the persistent issue of pavement parking. Furthermore, I have spoken in Parliament about strengthening the national Animal Welfare Strategy and taken time to meet with excellent local and national organisations, including the Samaritans, Smart Works, and the Campaign for Gigi.
Supporting Local Care and Community Access
Within Stockport, I recently met with Shared Lives, an innovative service that provides care and support for adults wishing to live independently. Operating similarly to a fostering service but for adults, it offers a valuable alternative to traditional supported living and residential care, carefully matching individuals based on shared interests.
I continue to hold regular advice surgeries across the Stockport constituency, as I am keen for people to be able to meet me within their own local communities. Recognising that not everyone can make a weekday appointment, I also hold dedicated Saturday sessions. I receive enquiries on a wide variety of issues, and if you have a matter you wish to raise, please do not hesitate to get in touch. My town centre office remains open on weekdays from 10am to 3.30pm.
Through collective effort and sustained investment, we are building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Stockport for everyone.
