We're delighted to have signed up Hitchin MP Bim Afolami as a regular Nub News columnist.

Read Hitchin Nub News for Bim's new and exclusive monthly column.

While Hitchin Nub News is resolutely non-political we will feature our parliamentarian's exclusive column every month.

So, read on for the latest on all things Hitchin-related from our town's MP in his exclusive, must-read monthly column.

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This month I marked the fourth anniversary of my time in Parliament, having first been elected to represent this wonderful constituency in June 2017.

It has been an interesting and varied four years and I have greatly enjoyed meeting so many of you and hearing your views.

Over these few years, I have spoken to many of you on the doorstep, at house meetings, at pub surgeries and on tours of the Houses of Parliament.

These interactions have been thoroughly enjoyable and invaluable opportunities to hear your views on your local and national priorities.

Now that the Covid crisis is receding, I can't wait to see more of you at these events as they start again this summer and autumn.

I have been hugely grateful to everyone who has filled in the first of my new monthly surveys so far.

I will be reading each and every response and actioning the issues you raise with my colleagues at a local and national level.

I am looking forward to continuing to engage with you on our shared priorities for our area.

My top Hitchin priorities

My top priorities in Hitchin and surrounding villages include protecting our environment, helping our local businesses and supporting our young people.

We have been making excellent progress on opening up Hitchin railway station access and I continue to work hard on road safety issues – particularly seeking a solution to the problem of HGV traffic coming through the town.

Being a Member of Parliament often involves a difficult balancing act between local and national issues, and between competing local views and interests.

We have a strong and diverse community and on any given issue, I know that many local people will be disappointed and many will be pleased – such is politics!

As we emerge from this pandemic and politics returns (slightly more) to normal, I want all of you to know that, while from time-to-time we may not agree on the issue of the day, I am listening to you and working hard to deliver what I believe is best for our community.

And if you have a problem and you need my support, my team and I are always on hand to help you as best we can.

Bim