I’d like to wish all residents of Watford a very happy and prosperous New Year. Here’s to a great 2018!

I was honoured and proud to be re-elected as Watford’s MP in June last year, and this continues to be the greatest privilege of my life. I am working every day to repay the confidence you have shown in me.

2017 was a great year for Watford. We opened another new school, created hundreds of apprenticeships, invested in our hospital and agreed a new deal for our train services. It was also a good year for Watford Football Club who are a side to be reckoned with, in only their second year in the Premier League. Watford also now has its very own Forbidden Forest at Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

I’ve had the pleasure of giving 30 tours of Parliament to Watford residents and local schools, and I hope to welcome many more this year.

I welcome that unemployment in Watford has fallen to its lowest level for decades, and is half what it was in 2010. I organised another successful Jobs Fair, with 70 local companies attending and 4,000 job seekers. But there’s more work to be done.

Breaking ground on the redevelopment of Watford Junction is a key priority for our town, as well as moving forward with revamping Watford General. I also want to further increase the number of school places and apprenticeships available, and secure full employment for Watford.

We have seen a great deal of progress in Watford, and I look forward to seeing more in 2018.

- Richard Harrington is Conservative MP for Watford