Hitchin MP Bim Afolami has been speaking about the £20m modernisation of Westmill.

The town's parliamentarian recently opened the new play area at Swinburne Playing Fields near John Barker Place in Hitchin.

The initiative was a combined effort between Bim, North Herts District Council and the housing association Settle.

All parties worked together to make the project a reality with the MP explaining that his focus is on helping the Westmill estate.

He said: "It is a first tangible step along the road to the modernisation of the Westmill area of Hitchin, which is a high priority of mine during this parliamentary term."

New equipment and wheelchair accessible facilities for children of all ages are now available to enjoy on the Westmill.

The next stage of the John Barker programme is the regeneration of 83 homes after planning permission was granted by NHDC for new shops and a play area.

An aspect of the agreement was that the new play area had to be completed before work would be allowed to start on the homes and shops.

Bim added: "This play area will be a valuable asset for the local children and parents, and I was very glad to open it."

The Hitchin MP also channelled his inner Boris Johnson after being pictured on the swings in a Hitchin version of PM Johnson flying through the air on a zip-wire ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

Bim added with a smile: "I even had a go on some of the kit myself - and the children who came for the opening really enjoyed playing with the brilliant equipment."

Bim has served as a member of parliament since winning the seat in the 2017 General Election after previous incumbent Peter Lilley stepped down.

Seen as a rising star in the Tory party he was appointed parliamentary private secretary in the Department for Transport in September 2018.

In February 2019, Afolami was appointed PPS to the Secretary of State for International Development followed by his appointment as PPS to the Secretary of State for International Trade.

He is PPS to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

He is also the patron of a charity working in health and education in rural Uganda.