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News from Harry CohenMP for Leyton and Wanstead |
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Harry Cohen MP on what the Labour government's doing for your area
Leyton is improving. Government investment is feeding through. The National Health Service for the area is being upgraded. A massive £313 million has been allocated to Whipps Cross hospital in one of the country's biggest hospital construction programmes. Money is also coming to improve crucial services like local GP surgeries.
Schools are receiving more money so that they get the vital teaching aids like books and computers which our children need in order to learn. There are now many classroom assistants so that teachers can get on with the job of teaching with less disruption. Also local schools have had their buildings repaired. Leyton schools benefit from being included in the Government's 'excellence in cities' programme.
Following my effective lobbying of Ministers, a brand new state-of-the-art school - Lammas - has been built and is now open in the Lea Bridge area. Local children go to it.
Nearly £2 million has been allocated, primarily to Leyton ward, for the Sure Start childcare and nursery project.
Also £5 million is coming Leyton's way for neighbourhood renewal.
Shopping facilities have already improved and the proposed new town centre near the new Asda store will mean a better local environment.
Significant new community sports facilities, including football and tennis, are being planned along Oliver Road down to Ive Farm. I initiated this by inviting Trevor Brooking of Sport England and local representatives to a meeting at the House of Commons. Much of the cash for these sports facilities has now been raised.
Many affordable homes have been built and because there are more better paid jobs since Labour was elected, local homeowners have the money to improve their properties.
The Chancellor abolished stamp duty on home and business property sales in Leyton under £150,000. He has told me this exemption will apply to all business property sales in the area in due course.
I am also pressing for improved public transport for the area. The Government has promised £18 million over the next 15 years to improve the London Underground. Although I have argued in Parliament that this sum could be spent to get better value for money than under the PPP plans, I'm pleased that Leyton Station will benefit from this money.
I have also pressed the local Council, with some success, for improved street cleanliness and prompt action against abandoned cars and other rubbish dumped in local streets. Labour gives more money to Local Government than the Conservatives used to.
Taking all this into consideration, the people of Leyton are benefitting quite significantly from the policies of the Labour Government.
Talk to Harry...
Harry Cohen MP holds three Advice Surgeries every month throughout the Leyton and Wanstead area.
You'll need an appointment, and you can make one by calling his office on 020 7219 6376.
You can also write to:
Harry Cohen MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
E-mail cohenh@parliament.uk
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