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Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland officially opened Gibbs & Dandy’s new Stevenage branch in Gunnels Wood Park, which took over the business and staff of family merchant Chas Lowe & Sons, based in Knebworth.

Stephen McPartland MP said, “It is positive to see a national business investing so significantly in the local area. Chas Lowe & Sons was a well-established and highly commended business within the region, and the safeguarding of the workforce’s jobs by Gibbs & Dandy is very much welcomed.

“Generations of local people have benefited from the company as both customers and employees, and this will continue thanks to Chas Lowe & Son’s legacy living on through Gibbs & Dandy here in Stevenage.”

The official opening also saw the launch of Gibbs & Dandy's merchant partnering with Stevenage Football Club in its kick-off event, which raised funds for local charity Garden House Hospice.

Kevin Lowe, a former director at Chas Lowe & Sons, is now sales director at the Stevenage branch, while Gibbs & Dandy Sales Director, Andrew Cushing said, “We’re proud to formally launch our new Stevenage branch, our third in the local area alongside our Bedford and flagship Luton premises.

“Chas Lowe & Sons provided an excellent service to the local trades for over 60 years, and that’s something we’re continuing in our commitment to the region. The new branch marries staff expertise, an unbeatable product range and outstanding facilities designed with trades’ needs in mind.

“The team’s seamless integration, their enthusiasm and willingness to learn are what have really made this new branch such a success, and I cannot commend them highly enough. Here’s to a great future in Stevenage.”

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Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, recognises the vital contribution made by thousands of local people providing unpaid care. Whether it be caring for a disabled, ill or older family member or friend, he is committed to continuing his work in support and helping to raise the profile of caring.

Stevenage MP, Stephen McPartland, said, “I am supporting Carers Week again this year as it helps to raise awareness of the huge contribution unpaid carers make, providing vital and often hidden support to friends and family members.

"There are close to 10,000 carers locally and I am proud that we have Carer Friendly Communities in our area which help make such a difference to carers' lives.”

Carer Friendly Communities are places where local people and services support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own. Other support is provided by meeting with carers locally and local services to find out about the challenges faced by carers and encouraging local organisations, services and employers to become more Carer Friendly.

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Just opened Aston fete, big crowd here already. Come down and enjoy the fun! pic.twitter.com/yitboTug1o

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) July 2, 2017

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Always a pleasure to support @mariecurieuk collecting in Stevenage town centre pic.twitter.com/7hAoCrt9Kg

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) July 1, 2017

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Great turnout at Knebworth Fete in aid of @savestationpub Come and join the fun on St Martin's Green pic.twitter.com/ilbDD3J2VC

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) June 24, 2017

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Proud to be part of @ArmedForcesDay with @PoppyLegion in town centre. Please come and show your support pic.twitter.com/vhlGmM7Que

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) June 24, 2017

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The Grenfell Tower fire has shocked the whole country and affected us all deeply. Our thoughts are with all those families affected and yesterday a minute’s silence was held in Stevenage town centre to remember the victims. This is especially distressing for our town, as the 2005 fire in Harrow Court claimed the lives of two brave firefighters and a resident.

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, said "I was shocked when I saw the images of the Grenfell Tower fire and my thoughts are with all those families affected and brave emergency services who fought so hard to save so many lives. Often putting their own lives at risk, alongside brave members of the community. Their actions show the very best of our community spirit and compassion.

"Locally, this brings back difficult memories of the 2005 Harrow Court fire when two brave firefighters and a resident lost their lives. It is understandable that local people are seeking reassurance and I asked senior members of Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to meet me at a tower block on Monday afternoon for a fact finding visit. This included both the Chief Executive and Leader of Stevenage Borough Council.

"Stevenage Borough Council have already reached out to residents in all the tower blocks they own in the town and reassured them none have any cladding. Although we may not always agree, we work well together on anything that could affect our town. I raised a number of questions on behalf of my constituents and was reassured by both Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I also took on board some of the points that were raised by both organisations to feed back into Government and we will work together to ensure the best service for local people. I am also delighted Stevenage fire station will be taking delivery of a 45 metre firefighting platform next month, which will be the highest in the country."

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Great to see @NRAS_UK at Stevenage Day. Brilliant services at Lister hospital for local people @enherts pic.twitter.com/c9gEpairuS

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) June 11, 2017

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