As someone who has lived in South Gloucestershire all of my life, I have strived to an active and hardworking MP, and I am delighted to be re-seeking election on 8th June so that I can continue to ensure that our community is heard right at the top in Westminster.
As a community we have made steady but positive progress on some of the key issues facing our area. As part of my ‘Get South Gloucestershire Moving Campaign’ we have finally began to see an interest and commitment from Government for important transport projects such as funding of £500,000 for a new Junction 18A on the M4, investment in our railway for a 30 minute service to Bristol, and backing from the top with bids currently in the process for funding to reduce congestion in the Yate area possibly by reopening the Road to Nowhere. Our area is finally being listened too on transport, rather than being overlooked.
The Government is making progress on its commitment to its broadband roll out in our rural areas, and by the end of 2017 95% of properties will be capable of connecting to superfast broadband. As our MP I have continually being pushing the Government to do more, not just in the money that it provides, but also in the delivery technology that is used such as Fibre to the Premises, which can guarantee the speeds we need for our children to their homework, for the rural businesses to continue to thrive and to ensure that everybody has a good connection. As someone who grew up in rural South Gloucestershire, I know the difference it can make but know more needs to be done.
On Thornbury Hospital, in the short two years we finally have firm plans for Community Hospitals in Thornbury and Frenchay, joining up Adult Social Care within our community, and I have wasted no time in making sure those at the top in the Department for Health under no illusion that this cannot be another false start. It is not only about the community Hospitals however, we still have more to do. After fighting hard in Westminister we are on the verge of also securing a redeveloped Health Centre, and have already secured £100,000 for the project. We must not be complacent and we must keep up the pressure to get the services we deserve. Our area is also facing a huge challenge in the current proposals for future housing in our towns and villages.
But we are also facing huge challenges, such as the plans to build thousands of houses in Thornbury, Buckover, Charfield and Coalpit Heath, and we need a strong local MP who will have influence in Government to ensure we get the best deal for South Gloucestershire.
As a local man it is a huge honour to represent my home constituency of Thornbury and Yate. At this election, the choice is between strong and stable leadership in the national interest with Theresa May and the Conservatives – or weak and unstable coalition government led by Jeremy Corbyn. I very much hope to speak to you personally over the coming weeks, but in the meantime, if there is anything else I can help with, please do get in touch.