Local MP Maria Miller has welcomed a further fall in unemployment figures for Basingstoke. In August unemployment in Basingstoke fell to 896, lower than at any time since March 2008.

Maria said, “ More people in work means more security for families in Basingstoke. Unemployment has been a real worry for many families in recent years. Back in 2010 more than 2300 people in the town were unable to find work now that figure has fallen back to 896 - but there is still more work to do.

“As one of the top ten centres of employment in the South East, Basingstoke is an important barometer of the health of British business. The continuing redevelopment of Basing View and the new John Lewis Store opening in the town centre in the coming months will mean more new jobs coming to Basingstoke over the next few years.”