‘Embrace’ city’s population rise

Figures show Peterborough one of fastest growing

There have been calls to embrace Peterborough’s population growth after statistics showed it was one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

New figures 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%. 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 addressed property. The infrastructure of the city is lacking. We’re still living in the 70s!

“We need more investments. Better roads, 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 providing a culture, an environment for people to have confidence in the city they live in.”