Hartlepool

Hartlepool, situated on the North East coast of England, has a population of over 92,000. It was originally two towns, the old town known as the Headland and the more recent West Hartlepool. Amalgamation took place in 1967.

The Headland was once the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery founded by St Bega in 640AD. The most striking feature of the Headland today is St Hilda's church. Dating from 1185 AD it was erected as a burial place for the De Brus family who owned much of the land. Hartlepool was granted a Royal Charter by King John in 1201. This allowed the local people to set up a corporation for their own self government.

During the Middle Ages Hartlepool was one of the busiest ports on the east coast but by the 18th century it had fallen into disrepair. During the 19th century it was known primarily as a health resort where the well off came to "take the air".

In the 1830's a railway was built to connect Hartlepool to the South Durham coalfield. The work in the docks increased and a rival dock was built know as West Hartlepool Dock company ­ and so West Hartlepool was born. During the 20th century the town's economy relied predominantly on heavy industry such as ship building and steel manufacture.

With the decline in heavy industry during the 1970's and 1980's unemployment rose and Hartlepool became a depressing place for many in which to live. However, the town has been subject to a revival in the past twenty years, most symbolically typified by the building of a new marina complex on the site of the old docks. New jobs have been found in the service industries, light manufacturing and tourism. New shops, eateries and entertainments have been built and the port is thriving once again.

Iain Wright works hard to serve the interests of Hartlepool, dealing with numerous constituent enquiries, cases and issues each and every week.

Iain aims to be in touch with the people of this constituency and to take up issues you raise with him in the most appropriate and efficient way. Iain has a dedicated caseworker who works full-time from his constituency office in order to ensure your problems are dealt with quickly and professionally.