January column in the Brackley and Towcester Advertiser
As 2020 finally draws to a close, I believe we all share a great hope for what 2021 will bring.
The response to Coronavirus has seen us pull together, ensuring that communities across South Northamptonshire have been supported throughout.
I’ve seen first-hand the work of volunteers providing phone companionship to those self isolating, others like the ‘Community Larder’ and the Food Banks who have continued their good work feeding local people in need during this challenging time.
Businesses have used their ingenuity to diversify during lockdown - we've seen local distilleries switching to hand sanitiser production, dry cleaners producing face masks, pubs opening village stores and our local Silverstone Technology Hub turning their hand to designing ventilators and producing PPE for the NHS.
Government support through local councils has been vital - South Northamptonshire Council has been able to give out over £18 million in small business grants which have provided a lifeline for many local businesses.
I have personally replied to over 10,000 emails and letters from constituents this year, many Covid related, but also the usual issues ranging from visas, health concerns and planning problems to the wonderful letters from school pupils, charities and councillors seeking support for individual projects.
Delivering on my ‘South Northamptonshire Manifesto’ has been a key focus as always:
HS2: Throughout this year I have regularly met with the HS2 Minister to discuss (and resolve) ongoing concerns around scrutiny, disruption and compensation. I continue to argue in Parliament, as I have since it was first announced, that this is the wrong project, poor value for taxpayers and appalling for the environment.
Farthinghoe Bypass: this important infrastructure project is one step closer after Northamptonshire County Council approved £1.4 million of funding for its business case. An online consultation is open to collect the views of residents and closes on 3rd January.
Towcester Relief Road: I have kept the pressure up on Persimmon, South Northants Council and Northants County Council to deliver this project as soon as possible. A few outstanding planning permissions remain, but the serious work is almost underway!
Brackley medical centre: the fantastic new centre is open! I have visited throughout the build, and was delighted to meet with staff last week - it will be a superb facility for the local area.
Strategic Rail Freight Interchange: the development is underway, and I have been meeting virtually with Segro and local residents to make sure there is clear communication at every step of the way.
I have also been supporting residents in Collingtree with their concerns about the M1 smart motorway, noise levels and also flooding issues.
A major project for me this year has been chairing the Early Years Healthy Development Review. The review is to try and improve support for new families to give every baby the best possible start in life. The review will report in January 2021 and I am truly excited about the possibility of real change for the better!
