Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn stopped off in Stevenage this morning to inspect a major redevelopment which will include the first council homes to be built in the town in 25 years.

The Comet: Jeremy Corbyn speaks to Sharon Taylor during his visit StevenageJeremy Corbyn speaks to Sharon Taylor during his visit Stevenage (Image: Archant)

The Labour Party leader met Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor who guided him around the redevelopment at Archer Road which will see outdated homes and shops replaced with new ones, along with a purpose-built community centre at Hampson Park.

Ms Taylor said she was very pleased Mr Corbyn visited the site as it showed his commitment to social housing.

She said: “It would be nice to think everyone could afford their own homes, but they can’t.

“I think coming to Stevenage showed Jeremy is very committed to the idea of affordable housing and I am firmly convinced there will always be a need for high quality social housing.”

The Comet: Jeremy Corbyn speaks to Sharon Taylor during his visit StevenageJeremy Corbyn speaks to Sharon Taylor during his visit Stevenage (Image: Archant)

The first residents will move into newly completed flats at the site in March.

The whole development which was planned in consultation with residents, is expected to be finished in the autumn.

Mr Corbyn visited Stevenage in August last year for a BBC Radio 5 Live event during his campaign for the Labour leadership, but after winning the top job was forced to cancel a planned speech at the East of England Labour Party Regional Conference in the town in November after the Paris terrorist attacks.