News

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, commented on this year's exam results and the achievements of local students.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "I would like to congratulate the students who have achieved so much personally in these A-level exams. The staff and parents have supported them every step of the way.

"The students should be proud of their achievements, enjoy a few more weeks of summer and look forward to an exciting future full of opportunity."

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Carers make an invaluable difference to the loved ones they support, but they also need support themselves in carrying out their vital role. The new Carers Innovation Fund from Government is being launched to provide additional help.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "Carers are vital to the wellbeing of those that they are caring for, but it is equally important the carers' own health is given the same support and attention. I am very pleased the Government has set up the pioneering Carers Innovation Fund to help develop community-based schemes and innovative technology to provide more support to carers."

The Carers Innovation Fund is open to organisations from the voluntary and community sector, small and medium enterprises, to bid for up to £500,000 with initial applications to be made by 13th September. Information about the application process is available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-innovation-fund-how-to-apply

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10,000 more prison places and more powers for the Police to fight crime https://t.co/GFgqVX5OUj

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) August 12, 2019

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There is still time for local charities and community groups to apply for funding from a pot of over £3 million that has been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, but applications close on 14th August.

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage said, “There are countless organisations doing fantastic work locally. This is the perfect opportunity for them to take advantage of the funding available and expand the reach of an existing service, get a new project off the ground, or allow it to help extend an already successful initiative. I strongly encourage as many groups as possible to apply, and to make sure they beat this month's deadline.”

The funding can be accessed through three different trusts: Postcode Local Trust, Postcode Community Trust and People's Postcode Trust, each focussed on different themes so groups should apply to the trust that best fits their proposed project.

Applications are open until 14th August. A wide range of community organisations, from registered charities, to voluntary groups and social enterprises, are eligible to apply for grants of between £500 and £20,000. For more information and to apply please visit: www.postcodetrust.org.uk

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Stevenage is benefitting from a massive increase in services, with over 50% more trains, 100% more seats, treble the capacity and direct links to Gatwick and Brighton compared to 2010.

New trains on the Thameslink and Great Northern Lines are soon to be joined by £240 million investment in new trains on the Hertford Loop line.

Stephen McPartland MP, said, “Stevenage Station is now so busy, Network Rail have to increase capacity and I have secured a £39 million investment in a new Platform 5. However, it is not just a platform, the project comprises over 2km of new track, new signalling and will have a fully accessible self contained platform with lift access, CCTV and high quality lighting.

“This investment allows us to double the number of services linking Stevenage and Watton-At-Stone with Hertford, Enfield, Alexandra Palace and Moorgate, while making the whole station more reliable by reducing disruption on the main four platform services."

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A raft of improvements have been unveiled at Knebworth railway station as part of a major £750,000 upgrade project. To mark the completion of improvement work and formally unveil improvements to the 130 year old station, Stephen McPartland MP cut a ribbon alongside long-serving Sales Assistant John Richardson and Station Manager William Buck.

Stephen McPartland MP, said: "I am delighted at this huge investment to refurbish Knebworth train station. The station team are always so friendly and helpful, which makes them such a vibrant part of our village community. There are many little improvements that have added up to a lot and make the station a much more welcoming environment.

“The platforms are also quite open to the elements and these improvements will make a big difference when the bad weather sets in again later in the year."

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Brilliant ideas from some amazing young people. Good luck with the projects next week 👍 https://t.co/4Gr279lSQS

— Stephen McPartland (@SMcPartland) August 2, 2019

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Woolenwick Infants and Nursery school invited local MP, Stephen McPartland, to see their Summer Exhibition which this year had the theme Diversity Squared: What's your story?

The children used a range of different media and explored the connections shared by local people and their work celebrates the diversity and richness that each individual brings to Stevenage.

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