The end of the Morgan & Morecambe Statutory Consultation process is fast approaching, with this being the last full week to participate ahead of the consultation’s closure on 23rd November.
Green energy is hugely important for the future of our country, economy, and planet. However, it is the size and location of the proposals that I cannot accept. Vast swathes of Fylde’s greenbelt will be concreted over as two enormous substations are built at a site in close proximity to local schools. I am similarly concerned about St Annes, where a cable corridor wider than the M55 is to be laid and, despite assurance to the contrary, I am deeply sceptical as to whether this can be achieved without road closures, disturbance to the sand dunes and farmland, or disruption to Blackpool Airport and the Moss Road.
There have been a series of public consultation events over the last month, giving many their first real understanding of what these proposals mean in practice. I have spoken with many of you at these events, most recent at Fylde Rugby Club, in addition to the countless letters and emails I have received, and I know that Fylde will not take this lying down.
While Fylde’s opinion on the matter is clear to me, it is essential that we make it clear to those running the project. The easiest way to do this is via email to info@morecambeandmorgan.com; submissions can be made individually and not limited per household so please, please, use this opportunity to maximise our voices.
Having taken office at a difficult time, much of the Prime Minister’s first year in office was about addressing the immediate challenges he inherited. Earlier this week we saw him take a bold step towards delivering his vision for our country’s long-term future, reshaping his ministerial team to do this, although the headlines were largely grabbed by the new Foreign Secretary.
Lord Cameron brings a wealth of experience to the role and, having served under him during his six years as Prime Minister, I am delighted to see him return to Government. I am positive about the other appointments, and I look forward to working with the new Environment Secretary, for example, in overcoming Fylde’s flooding and water quality issues.
On Friday I visited One Fylde’s Recycling Centre in St Annes, which is providing people with learning disabilities the chance to gain work experience and skills. The centre enables businesses to recycle their plastic and cardboard waste, in return for a donation, helping fund the charity’s wider work with people with learning disabilities and autism.
The charity is also running an activity room, producing a fantastic range of handmade Christmas gifts and cards that are so much more personal than those available online or in supermarkets. With many starting to draw up their Christmas card list now is the perfect time to visit and purchase yours.