The Past Year
Since being elected to the House of Commons, one of the things I have tried to do is get around the patch as much as possible. In part, this is about getting out from behind the desk and into the community and I enjoy meeting everyone who comes to see me at my surgeries and face to face pub meetings. It’s also however about talking to our key workers – our doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and firemen – in order to see what I can do to help them deliver the services we all rely upon. Whether it be working to safeguard dental provision and our magistrates court in Newton Abbot or meeting up with our local farmers, I will continue to get out and about in order to listen to what you have to say on whatever you want to talk about.
One thing I strongly believe in is the big society. I believe our communities are really able to flourish when we all work together in order to achieve a common objective. That is why I have got Teignbridge Business Buddies off the ground. This initiative allows small business owners to meet with others in our area who have been there and got the t-shirt when it comes to running a company. It’s an opportunity to share best practice and get our local businesses working together so that all can prosper. All those involved in the scheme volunteer their time and expertise and these meetings are held all around the constituency. If you would like to attend one of my Teignbridge Business Buddies meetings then please get in touch!
Following an adjournment debate I secured and a meeting with the railway minister, I am pleased the Government has indicated its support for our coastal train line. More does need to be done however to bring our stations up to scratch and I will continue to work alongside all interested parties on this to ensure this happens as soon as possible. The other development we have seen recently relates to our broadband infrastructure. I am delighted to have played my role in a campaign that will see 85% of businesses and households in Devon and Somerset have reliable access to superfast broadband.
Moving Forward
The last year has been extremely busy, but there is so much more that needs to be done! Consider for example our high water bills. Recent bill increases mean the average customer of South West Water pays more than £500 a year. This is unacceptable and unsustainable. I am pleased the Chancellor announced in the budget that there would be a consultation looking at what can be done to bring our bills down. I strongly encourage each and every one of you who believes action needs to be taken now to substantially reduce the cost of our water bills to respond to the consultation!
And whilst on the subject of water, I was pleased when the Minister indicated in a debate that he couldn’t move around Westminster without me tapping on his shoulder to remind him about the need to green light the Teignmouth Flood Defence Scheme. I would like to take this opportunity to let the Minister know that I will continue to put the case for this until it goes ahead!
I also think more needs to be done to assist our tourism sector. Tourism is an essential part of our local economy and it is important we look at what can be done to bring even more people into Teignbridge in order for them to enjoy our attractions. It is my intention to hold a tourism summit shortly in order to bring those in the sector together to discuss the way forward.
A big challenge coming up is the Kingskerswell Bypass. I have been consistent in stressing my support for this scheme since I believe it has the potential to help unlock the economy of our region whilst simultaneously sorting out the congestion problems we have in the area at certain hotspots. Much more needs to be done in order to persuade the Government why this road scheme is necessary. Our bid is however a strong one and I look forward to putting the case for investment as strongly as I can.
Finally, keep an eye out to see whether anything can be done in our area with respect to Enterprise Zones and Technical Colleges. We also have a fantastic Local Enterprise Partnership coming together and I look forward to seeing how it develops moving forward.
Surgeries and Getting Together
My next surgery is in Teignmouth Library on the 18th June at 10am. Please phone 01626 368277 for an appointment or for immediate help with issues that can’t wait until the next surgery. My next Face to Face will be at The Old Church Inn (Torbryan) on the 10th June from 6.30pm. I will also be holding a Face to Face in The Dolphin on the 18th June from 6.30pm. I look forward to seeing you there!