Still plenty to be optimistic about

With all that’s happening at the moment, it might seem difficult to remain positive. We are still living under Coronavirus restrictions, with much of our economy suspended. We have seen violence on the streets of London. Our friends and family are kept at two metres distance, if we can even see them at all. You can’t even go for a drink, writes Peterborough MP Paul Bristow.

Although a return to normality seems a long way off, there is still plenty to be optimistic about here in Peterborough.

ONE CITY

The Coronavirus emergency has brought out the best in our city and its communities. Businesses, restaurants, charities and volunteers have come together to support the most vulnerable. We have fed and housed rough sleepers and looked after our self-isolating neighbours. The new mural in the underpass near Taverners Road is what community cohesion is about. We still have our local challenges, but let’s show the violent thugs in London that you don’t make progress by defacing a hero like Churchill. We succeed through our Peterborough heroes, who have made us one City.

NEW JOBS

I’m not pretending that everything is fine economically, even with the huge financial support available from the Government. People have still been laid off during lockdown and some companies will fold. But new companies and jobs are also arriving in Peterborough. They include high-skilled roles at Photocentric, the fantastic 3D printers. They include the new IKEA click-and-collect and, despite those who sneer, we should welcome new jobs at McDonald’s. All will help our economy bounce back when the lockdown ends.

REGENERATION

Our City Council has impressive regeneration plans. I am keen to deliver these homes and business opportunities around the new train station. There are plans for new nightlife and homes in our city centre and hopefully a new future for the City Market. We might even get progress at North Westgate, which has been in the pipeline since I was a child. Finally, our new university will educate our young people, provide for the industries of tomorrow, and bring new talent to Peterborough.

ATTITUDE

As you know, I am fed up of people who talk down our city. We have a lot to be proud of and should show it. I don’t know whether I will be Peterborough’s MP for 4 years or 24 years, because that depends on you. But if I only achieve one thing, I hope it’s making people more positive about our great city. Weirdly, I face some criticism for getting about and visiting our local charities, businesses, schools and community groups. For those in doubt, I am never going to stop promoting Peterborough. It’s a given.

We have a great future – with so many positives to which we can look forward. We just need to continue with the community spirit that people have shown throughout the Coronavirus emergency. Let’s make the most of our regeneration plans and give businesses the confidence to back us.

Finally, I have a big job to do that’s outside Peterborough. When I’m not here, I am down in Westminster, persuading colleagues and the Government to get us the investment we need.

Let’s be relentlessly positive, whatever the doom-mongers say. Peterborough is great. It will get even better. We can provide everyone in our city with the hope and opportunities in life that they deserve.

l The photo shows me with Leanne Waterman and staff from Kingsgate Community Church who are handing out furniture to former homeless people.