We have seen record investment in Fylde’s infrastructure in recent years, with three major new road projects, a series of improvements to our flood defences and pumping stations, and town centre regeneration in Kirkham.
I am particularly proud of the investment at Lytham St Annes High, which is undergoing a complete rebuild of the school site. The project is really coming along, with pupils having recently had a chance to have a first glimpse of their new classrooms and I cannot wait to see generations of future pupils learning in such a fantastic environment.
On Monday I was in Parliament to thank the Minister for her support with this project while also making it clear that I want to see further investment in school facilities across Fylde, something I am already speaking with local schools about.
Carr Hill School, in Kirkham, has benefitted from refurbished science labs however, as I told the Secretary of State, the job is never done, and I am delighted that she has agreed to meet with me to discuss plans to continue improving Fylde’s school facilities.
I have been fortunate to get to know many of the hard-working team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and we all know what a fantastic job they, and their colleagues across the NHS, do for us all.
Nevertheless, there are some who deserve special recognition for having gone the extra mile for patients, be that driving improvements, modernising services, or acknowledging a lifetime of service. It has been a privilege to learn more about the efforts these individuals or teams have shown, and I am delighted to have been able to nominate them for this years’ NHS Parliamentary Awards.
There is particular poignancy for this year’s awards, coinciding with the NHS’ seventy-fifth anniversary and while the nominees will be announced later in the process, I want to wish them the very best of luck and show my gratitude for all the work they do.
Lastly, looking ahead to next month’s local elections, the Government is running a campaign to make people aware of changes to voter identification rules, which will be required for the first time in Great Britain, with Northern Ireland introducing similar requirements in 2003.
Our democracy is so important and, while it is vital that safeguards are in place to ensure that it is fair and transparent, these safeguards should not form a barrier to participation. While you can use existing ID, like a passport or driving licence, the Government is making free photo identification (a Voter Authority Certificate) available to ensure that everyone can have their say.
With the local elections just weeks away, on 4th May, the deadline to apply for this free certification is 25th April, with more information and applications available on the GOV.UK website.