Calls for Peterborough to embrace population growth as city is named as one of the fastest growing in the UK

Figures released last week named Peterborough as one of 23 areas of the country that has seen a population growth of more than a quarter since 2001.

Estimates show with Peterborough listed as the 15th largest growth of 28.5%.

MORE: Peterborough named as one of the areas that has seen population growth of more than a quarter

The figures have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and show the change in estimated population size for local authority areas in the UK from mid-2001 to mid-2019.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said: “Peterborough is a growing City and we have to embrace this. It is another positive thing about Peterborough that so many people want to come here and live.

“We have a Government serious about levelling up and we have to make sure Peterborough gets its fair share. More jobs, more investment and more family homes. “This is my mission. The future for our City is bright.”

But cllr Shaz Nawaz, leader of the Labour group on Peterborough City Council said: “We all know that Peterborough is one of the fastest growing cities. Growth being opportunities alongside challenges.

“I am afraid most of those challenges have not been addresses property. The infrastructure of the city is lacking. We’re still living in the 70s!

“We need more investments. Better road, better cycling routes, better bus services, better schools, more housing, the list goes on. We have to move with the times. The supply has to keep up with the demand.

“It’s disappointing that we are always left behind. So many people have lost hope. It pains me when all too often I am told by a resident that they “don’t want to bring up their children in this depressing city”.

“I believe the city has a huge potential. We can use the growth to our advantage. But we can only do that by provide a culture an environment for people to have confidence in the city they live in.

“People have been let down for far too long. Another recent blow was vivacity. We need a step change in direction. We need am ambitious plan to move our city forward. That, I am afraid, is missing due to the Conservative administration having no drive or aspiration to improve Peterborough.

“We need a new vision and that will only be brought forward by a new administration because the current one has led us to the current “depressing” state over the last twenty one years.”