Gloucester received a fantastic boost this week, as the government confirmed that our city will receive £7.7million of investment to complete the linkages project.  I’ve campaigned long and hard to get this money into Gloucester, holding two parliamentary debates on the issue and lobbying the government whenever I could.  I believe the linkages scheme is absolutely vital because it will ensure that people visiting our fantastic new Quays Retail Centre will have easy access to the city centre.  This will mean that tourists visiting Gloucester spread their spending money throughout our city.  This will be good for businesses and great for local jobs.

This is certainly not the first government investment to make a positive, tangible, difference to the lives of people in our city. 

Investment has helped to boost local business across Gloucester.  The redevelopment of St Oswalds Park began in 2005, bringing new retail outlets to Gloucester.  The £43million South West Bypass finally opened in 2007, and has helped to reduce congestion and support the transport of goods to local businesses. 

Furthermore, the £20 million Police HQ in Quedgeley, opened in 2006, replaced the old HQ which was located in Cheltenham.  The Police now have a local, modern police HQ helping them in their battle to cut crime, which has fallen by 19% over the last year.

Just as importantly, our £35 million Gloucestershire College is equipping young people in Gloucester with new skills and qualifications, helping them to survive the recession and to thrive when the upturn arrives.  Thanks to new investment our young people have opportunities older generations could not have imagined.  £20 million of investment built the Oxstalls Campus, bringing University status to our historic city.

All of these projects, and many more I could mention are helping to change Gloucester for the better and are having a real impact on people’s lives.  They also often pay for themselves in the long run by boosting businesses and increasing employment opportunities - two things proven to increase tax revenue.  It is essential that we keep investing in our historic city.

Lest we ever think about going back to the days of savage cuts.

Parmjit Dhanda MP

Member of Parliament for Gloucester