The Comet Week in Review looks back at the past seven days in our area, including Stephen McPartland's decision to not stand for re-election as Stevenage MP.

Time up for Stephen

Stephen McPartland's time as MP for Stevenage is coming to close, after he announced that he will not be standing for re-election.

In a letter posted on social media, the Conservative MP revealed he wanted to "take up new opportunities outside of politics".

"It has been the biggest honour of my life to serve as the member of Parliament for Stevenage since 2010, but after much soul-searching, I have decided not to seek reselection in order to take up new opportunities outside of politics," he said.

"Dystopian nightmare" to go

Stevenage bar Tranquil Turtle has been ordered to tear down an outdoor structure described as a "dystopian nightmare".

The scaffolding and plastic sheeting structure covers the outdoor seating area at the Symonds Green establishment, but they did not get planning permission to build it.

The Comet: Tranquil Turtle have promised to remove the structure by February 22.Tranquil Turtle have promised to remove the structure by February 22. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council)

Stevenage Borough Council has now told them to take it down, with Tranquil Turtle promising to take the structure down on or before Wednesday, February 22.

New homes coming to Letchworth?

New homes could be coming to Letchworth, after a housing development applied to build on former playing field land.

The site is located between Croft Lane and Norton Road, and follow a number of previous applications for the land, which have been unsuccessful.

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At this time, the application is "all matters reserved", meaning that aspects of the application are yet to be released, with only outline planning permission sought.

Arrest over fake vapes and booze

A 37-year-old man from Stevenage has been arrested after police seized illegal vapes and counterfeit alcohol from a store in the town.

At around 4pm on Thursday, officers made an unannounced visit to Daniels store in Popple Way.

The Comet: More than 250 vapes were seized.More than 250 vapes were seized. (Image: Herts police)

A large quantity of illegal items including more than 250 prohibited vaping products, counterfeit alcohol, including imitations of brands such as Absolut Vodka, and tobacco products, were seized.