Deputy Prime Minister visits the Garden City

Letchworth Garden City is a role model for new communities across the country. That's the verdict of Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott after visiting the town on 9 March 2004.

Mr Prescott was in Letchworth to address delegates attending a housing conference being held in the magnificent Spirella ballroom. Arriving by train, he was delighted to find himself stepping out of a railway station in a town centre location saying he wished more towns had followed Letchworth's example.

Taking up an invitation extended by the Heritage Foundation, Mr Prescott went on a guided tour of the Letchworth Garden City accompanied by Foundation Director General, Stuart Kenny.

Mr Prescott was genuinely impressed with all he saw and expressed his wish to see more communities embrace the Garden City approach. Restating his commitment to regeneration, he underlined the need to strike a balance between 'brownfield' and 'greenfield' development and to building more sustainable communities like Letchworth Garden City.

During the visit, Mr Prescott announced spending plans of £22m to help boost housing and employment in parts of the south east. This included £5m to regenerate part of Stevenage and £10m for Peterborough.