Westminster Hall saw a number of issues raised including the future of the Library Service on which I spoke because it is so important. Libraries, like the local pub and local shop are the bedrock of our communities. I am pleased to say that Devon has been selected as one of the ten pilots of the Government’s Future Libraries Programme. Newton Abbot Library will see £2.8million spent on it. But the village libraries are also important and I am pleased to see local councillors and the local community working with Devon County Council to look at putting a community library in Ipplepen in the village hall. Losing the old library was a tragedy and the mobile library is no real substitute.
Lobbying for Change
A number of issues need to be addressed on a cross party basis. All Party Parliamentary Groups are a very good way of doing this. The Town Centres APPG met this week and we discussed the big issue of town centre regeneration – the challenge of funding – and the challenge of parking! I will be looking to the new Local Enterprise Partnerships to help spearhead support for our town centre plans. The Localism Bill will bring much planning change and we need to make sure businesses have a say in local neighbourhood plans.
The Marine and Ports APPG also met to discuss coastal and short-sea shipping. We need to see our coastal waters better used and more often considered as an alternative to road freight transport. It is environmentally a better answer. I was very interested to hear Homebase say they wanted to use more small ports for their distribution network– that could be an interesting opportunity for Teignmouth.
I met up with the Association of Train Operating Companies to talk about our rail network. Companies like First Great Western that operate many of our trains need longer franchises so they can make longer term plans to enable them to provide a good service. I was also pleased to hear that Newton Abbot Station has been identified as a station for improvement under the National Stations Improvement Plan.
The Business Financing and Accounting APPG held a joint meeting with the Venture Capital APPG to look with business and finance professionals at the vexing question of bank lending to businesses. We discussed how the finance industry and government could support new ways for businesses to borrow. There were a number of good ideas but none that in my view really tackled the problem of Micro Businesses. With only a handful of employees if that and a turnover of less than £250,000 they represent about two thirds of all businesses in the country– and they need help.
Burning Issues
I have had more than 100 letters on the future of English Woodland – thank you all for writing. Of particular concern to us all is the future of Haldon Forest. We need to ensure not just public access but also that biodiversity is not threatened or destroyed. The Forestry Commission will remain responsible for policies to protect and expand our woodlands which is important. While I understand the concerns and need to raise money that cannot be at the price of restricting public access to woodlands. I will be raising your concerns with the Minister and seeking assurances that nothing done can or will prejudice the enjoyment we all get from our woodlands.
London and Back
I was delighted to welcome Haytor View Primary School to Westminster for a visit. They had a lot of good questions for me – and by the end, a couple of children thought they might like to become Members of Parliament themselves! It was great fun to see them and more schools would be welcome.
I was delighted to join Lord Henley, the Environment Minister on a fact finding visit to Dawlish on Friday to look at the sea defences which protect the arterial South West railway line. He wanted to ensure that appropriate plans were in place to protect the future of this line in the light of the impact of rising sea levels due to climate change. As you know I secured a debate on this issue in Westminster Hall because the future of this line is so crucial for our local communities, our tourism trade and access to the rest of the South West. I am pleased to have so much government interest and support.
Surgeries and Getting Together
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 5th February first in Dawlish at the Manor House at 10.00am and then in Newton Abbot at the Courtenay Centre at 12.00 noon. My next surgery in Teignmouth will be on 12th February at 10.00am at the Carlton Theatre. 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” pub meeting will be on Friday 4th February at 6.30pm at The Wild Goose, Combeinteignhead –I should love to see you there so do come along for a chat!