United Utilities need to clean up their act urgently, a point I have made to them firmly and repeatedly.
I hope that the new Chief Executive will now begin the investment necessary to tackle this problem. Should this not occur, the Environment Agency must take real action to deter further such conduct. That said, this news, combined with Monday’s Panorama, does little to instil confidence that this situation is going to improve anytime soon.
We need a regulator prepared to show its teeth, something I have spoken about with Ministers, who I will be speaking with again to underline the importance of Fylde’s beaches to our local tourist trade and the need for action.
While we should never take them for granted, this year’s Small Business Saturday was particularly memorable for me as I handed out the prizes to the winners of my inaugural Fylde Business Awards.
On Tuesday I chatted to Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake about the awards. His passion was evident, and we spoke about Government support for small businesses, from cutting taxes and freezing business rates to reducing red tape.
But the real highlight for me was popping in to see Heidi from Serendipity House and present her with her award. It really is a fantastic business and to be crowned not by a judging panel but by Fylde residents makes it all the more deserved. They have a fabulous array of jewellery, accessories and gifts and I know they will be helping countless customers find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Along with Footprints Health Clinic they are one of two Kirkham businesses in the top three, showing that the town is going from strength to strength, and I look forward to meeting with runners up Gillett Environmental to present them with their award.
Well done to all the participants, with 37 nominees and thousands of votes cast in what was the inaugural edition, I am already looking forward to next year!
Many of these small businesses were participating in the St Annes Enterprise Partnership’s (STEP) Christmas Market, which was held over the weekend in Ashton Gardens. It was great to be out and see so many people enjoying the stalls and entertainment. A particularly welcome addition from last year was the outdoor bar run by the Hop Shoppe in St Annes, who did not disappoint with their fantastic selection of drinks from smaller breweries. My thanks to all those at STEP who organised the Market and to all of you who turned out to make it such a success.