I am delighted to share fantastic news for our community: after months of campaigning, I have secured £20 million of long-term investment for Peterlee through Labour’s Pride in Place Programme.  

This is a major victory for our area. It means that over the next ten years, £2 million will be invested every single year to support our neighbourhood. That money will be dedicated to improving local facilities, backing community groups, creating jobs, and making our streets safer and stronger.  

When I was elected, I promised to stand up for our community and fight for the resources we need. I have pressed Ministers at every stage, argued our case in Parliament, and worked closely with local partners. I can say proudly: we have delivered.  

But this is not the end of the journey, it is only the beginning. The most important question now is: how should this money be spent?  

I want to make sure that every pound of this £20 million goes to the things that matter most to local people. Whether that’s better facilities for children and young people, safer and cleaner streets, support for small businesses, or improvements to our parks and green spaces, it should be you who sets the priorities. 

This investment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. With your input, we can use it to rebuild pride in our neighbourhood, tackle long-standing problems, and give the next generation more opportunities than the last.  

I am proud that Labour is in government and delivering for places like ours. Too many communities have been neglected for too long. Now, with this investment, we are starting to put that right.  

This is a proud moment for our community. We have fought for it. We have secured it. And now, we will make the very most of it.