The headlines over the past week have again been dominated by what might have been going on behind the doors of Downing Street. An initial report has now been submitted by Sue Gray and the Prime Minister has outlined how he plans to address the issues identified. I very much welcome the plan outlined to Parliament and while I understand the anger and frustration of constituents agree we must give the Metropolitan Police time to finish their own investigations. I hope this episode brings about meaningful change and I hope that the full report will be published at the appropriate time.
While all of this unfolds we must not forget the successes in the UK’s pandemic response, including the vaccine and booster rollout which has put us in a position to begin lifting restrictions ahead of many of our European neighbours. We have more people in work now than when the pandemic began and strong economic growth. We are now looking forward, with cautious optimism and I want to see the Government focus on delivering jobs, regeneration and investment here in Fylde, my number one priority, as we look to move on from the challenges of the past two years.
Here in Fylde I got the chance to see what such investment delivers when I visited the site of the Preston West Distributor road. The new motorway link is important, particularly if we are to realise the potential of the Enterprise Zone at Warton and bring new, skilled work to the area. By spring next year there will be a dual carriageway running from the gates of the site all the way to a new junction on the M55, a strong selling point for businesses looking to establish and grow their presence in our community.
Until you see the new road taking shape it is difficult to appreciate the scale of the work and the skill of the engineers and workers delivering the project while all the time keeping local traffic flowing and trains running.
We have three major road schemes under way in Fylde right now, including the new Moss Road which will improve links between St Annes and the motorway network. In total more than £300m is being spent on these projects which will help Fylde’s economy grow while also taking commuter traffic away from local towns and villages, making them more peaceful, safer places to live.
I am pleased to hear Lancashire County Council has approved cash to complete the Kirkham regeneration masterplan. I fought hard to ensure County Hall put up the funding. Alongside cash from the Future High Streets Fund and Heritage Action Zone scheme we have secured more than £13m for the project. A masterplan is now being drawn up for St Annes and I am keen to have my say on how we create and more attractive prosperous town centre and refresh The Island site which is in such a prominent location on our sea front. I am equally eager to begin the conversations with Ministers on how this work can be funded and delivered and to get cracking on this most exciting project.