This is so often a slow news period with many people taking a much-needed break. At this time of year, I am grateful to those for whom the nature of their work means they are unable to take as much time off as the rest of us, be they NHS or care staff, our emergency services, armed forces, or a host of other professions whose efforts are keeping vital public services going, as well as those working in the hospitality and leisure industries.
For me, it is a welcome opportunity to spend several uninterrupted weeks in Fylde, catching up with friends, enjoying a winter walk on the beach, and visiting some of our fantastic bars and restaurants. It is a reminder of how lucky I am to call Fylde home and reinvigorates my determination to keep Fylde moving forward.
Nationally, things are moving in the right direction, with inflation having more than halved since the Prime Minister took office in Autumn 2022. As one of the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoys, I am passionate about helping businesses of all sizes succeed. Last week I signed a Government-to-Government agreement that will open infrastructure opportunities in Peru and I want to see and support businesses from Fylde and across the country in expanding into markets around the world.
But there is so much to look forward too locally as well. Among the major landmarks for next year is the opening of the M55 Link Road, improving local road connections, bringing jobs and investment into Lytham St Annes. The future is bright for our largest employers, last week I spoke about BAE and the boost that the recent Team Tempest announcement will give for local employment, while Westinghouse at Springfields go from strength to strength thanks to the Government’s backing for new nuclear projects, which I want to see powered by Fylde made fuels.
We can also look forward to the completion of the Kirkham futures project, breathing new life into the town centre and its fantastic businesses, many of whom I have visited in recent weeks. I want to see a similar programme regenerate St Annes town centre and I have held meetings with Ministers on this topic.
But a town centre needs to be accessible, both for residents and outside visitors. The current unreliable and infrequent service on the South Fylde Line is failing our high streets and our businesses. In recent months I have held Parliamentary debates and a series of meetings on this topic, and I continue to fight for investment to double services and improve resilience on the line.
These are the issues that matter to the people of Fylde, and they are the issues that matter to me. The new year is fast approaching, and I am determined to hit the ground running in the fight to deliver for you and for the whole of Fylde.
Wishing you a Happy New Year.