Happy New Year 2010
Press Release :
31 December 2009
Anne said:
“As we enter a new decade, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the past year. While we are a prosperous area we still felt the effects of the recession with high local unemployment and problems for local business. In Parliament I have continued to speak out on behalf of my constituents on issues such as the First Capital Connect commuter chaos, securing fair grants for St Albans, pensioners and the fuel poor and the Equitable Life pensioners to name a few.
Unfortunately this year has seen heavy losses of our brave service personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the job that they are doing. I have been fortunate to work with Tony Phllippson and I was pleased that we secured a second Army Board of Inquiry into the death of his son, James, which exonerated James’ commanding officer and highlighted the lack of kit that our soldiers have on the front line. I was glad this has led to pledges for further funding for equipment.
STRiFE have continued to work hard on your behalf to oppose the Park Street rail freight proposal. I have continued to work closely with them and spoke on your behalf at the recent appeal while attending as often as my Parliamentary business allowed me. More than 1200 people have written to me about this issue and I will continue to keep them informed with the decision we expect early in the New Year.
Whilst there have been challenges, we have much in St Albans to be thankful for. I have met countless selfless people working in our community over the year, volunteers giving up their free time to a range of causes, in churches, community groups, with young people and those less fortunate, just to make our city a better place. I was fortunate to meet some of these volunteers when I welcomed them to Parliament at my annual Christmas thank you party for volunteers.
I hope that the next year will be a positive one for our city. The welcome prospect of the redevelopment of the Odeon in London Road shows that there are sensible options for development in our city, which do not have to pose a threat to our existing historic streetscape, or build on the Green belt. Many constituents have raised concerns with me about a lack of school places and the prospect of a new primary school in the city centre is now being seriously considered. I hope this will mean that pupils and parents will have more choice.
As your Member of Parliament I will continue to work on your behalf and ensure that your voices and concerns are heard by the Government. I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and Happy New Year.”
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