This week I had the opportunity to meet with staff from the Job Centre in St Annes to discuss the efforts being made to support local people into employment. The challenges of the past two years cannot be ignored and it is vital now, as our economy recovers and grows that people in Fylde have the chance to take up new opportunities and we get as many people as possible into work.
Of particular importance are the prospects for young people. I was pleased to hear so many companies are taking part in the Kick Start scheme, the impact of which we are starting to see. Around half of those who have been able to find placements are receiving longer term offers of employment, a win for local companies and the young people they are taking on.
I also took the chance to discuss social care and the need to support providers in Fylde who do so much for vulnerable people and their families. It is important they are able to bring in the staff they need, to be able to provide packages for all those who want them. Care providers help give people dignity, hope and independence and play a key role in ensuring we are able to discharge people from hospital when they are well enough to leave. I am glad the Job Centre team share my enthusiasm to support the sector and the needs of local people.
The Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, were on the Fylde coast last Thursday and I was able to join them for part of their visit. It was a chance to impress on those who hold the keys to investment the benefits of local schemes, not least the South Fylde rail line. I made a strong case in favour of the passing loop plans, currently with the Department for Transport for consideration, and will continue to promote the scheme at every opportunity.
It is good to hear funding has been approved for traffic calming works in Staining. Speeding in Chain Lane has long been a concern for local people and the installation of speed pillows, the modern day successor to sleeping policemen, should help reduce speeds and traffic volumes through the village. I know there are other locations where similar schemes can make a difference, including Wrea Green, and I have asked County Councillor Charlie Edwards, Lancashire’s transport portfolio holder, to look into how they might be funded. In the meantime the posters produced by pupils at Ribby with Wrea Primary are doing a good job reminding drivers of the need to slow down.
New schemes, like the Preston West Distributor and Moss Road will help take traffic off local roads in the longer term. Alongside traffic calming measures I hope they will make a real difference for our communities.