As 2022 draws to a close it seems a good time to reflect on what was undoubtedly a very eventful year and to look ahead to some exciting moments ahead on 2023.
I think few could have predicted the events we have seen in Westminster which have, at times, been challenging and frustrating. With Rishi Sunak now at the helm I believe next year will bring some much needed stability to our domestic politics. There is a lot to do and an enormous amount to deliver and I have made clear to the Prime Minister my own priorities for Fylde, building on the investment in our transport infrastructure, improving the rights of home owners and supporting our key industries which, in turn, will support our national security.
The unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent shockwaves across Europe over the past nine months. The United Kingdom has quite rightly led not only condemnation of Putin’s actions but the support given to Ukraine, to support its defence. We have demonstrated, without doubt, how it is still possible to work together with our friends and allies in Europe, standing up for our shared values and security. I most certainly did not intend to end 2022 subject to sanctions by the state of Russia, but I am proud to have lent my voice to those most strongly backing the people of Ukraine and their cause.
The conflict has, of course, impacted us all. It has driven up the cost of energy and of food staples. The Government has done its best to assist and I am pleased that in the New Year work will begin to roll out a package of energy bills support to those, like park home residents, who do not pay directly to suppliers. It was always going to be impossible for the Government to shoulder the entire burden but the response, over the past nine months, has brought welcome relief when and where it was most needed. We are all hoping the inflationary pressures ease over the coming months.
Looking forward, not back, I am excited that 2023 is set to bring the completion of not one but three major roads schemes in Fylde. The Preston West Distributor will unlock the potential of the Enterprise Zone at Warton, while the new M55 Link Road at St Annes will help relieve congestion on our busy local roads and support investment and regeneration. The A585 bypass at Singleton will bring an end to decades of jams, transforming once gridlocked roads into residential neighbourhoods. The three schemes, in total, represent more than £350m of investment in our communities.
But there are still important projects to deliver. This is the year I really want to see progress made on plans to double parts of the South Fylde rail line, improving reliability and the frequency of rail services. I am also supporting plans for investment in our town centres, supporting regeneration in places like St Annes. From rural broadband connections to leasehold reform, there remains a huge amount of work to be done.
Whatever your plans for 2023 I wish everyone in Fylde a very Happy New Year. Together, let us make it a special one.