A busy start to the New Year

Last week in Westminster it was back to work as normal, as this year’s Parliamentary business got underway. The Coalition government are pushing through a huge number of changes  through at the moment, and  a lot of important bills are at various stages of debate and discussion.

One such debate that I took part in was to do with the Local Government Finance Bill. It might not sound the most exciting bit of legislation, however, for our part of Lancashire, it’s a very important one

The point I wanted to raise, was that I welcomed the changes that  local Councils will be able to raise more money from encouraging the growth of local businesses, and, importantly, will be able to decided what to spend that money on.

We have been waiting years to try and reopen the railway line to Fleetwood and only last week the Council in Lancaster reaffirmed their desire to see another bridge across the Lune. I believe that these plans could help make schemes such as these happen sooner rather than later.

I’ve also had another very useful meeting with Fleetwood Town Council about a number of matters including Fleetwood Beach, the return of the Trams and plans for this year’s Diamond Jubilee. I was also really pleased to hear that we now have 23 new litter bins in the town – so let’s hope they are used properly.

I also popped down to the prom to see the progress being made on the Marine Gardens, which are undergoing redevelopment. I joined many other locals in peering through the railing to have a look at the changes taking place. There is already a huge difference, and the gardens should look stunning once completed!

Back up in Lancaster, I had my regular surgery at the Library in Market Square where the work on the “Square Routes” project is now well underway. The square is a bit of a building  site at the moment with all the work being done, but at least we’ve got rid of that fountain, which will really open up the square once the development is completed.

I also had a useful meeting with Stepping Stones Nigeria, a Lancaster based charity, who work to transform the lives of less privileged children in the Niger Delta.  2012 marks 400 years since the trial and execution of the Lancashire Witches here in Lancaster, yet in Nigeria today, there are children who suffer horrific abuse, as they are believed to be witches. The work of this Lancaster based charity does an enormous amount to help them and I would like to put on record my thanks for everything that  Gary Foxcroft and his team at Stepping Stones Nigeria, have done.

As always, please contact me if I can be of any help. I represent everyone that lives in Lancaster, south of the River Lune, Fleetwood, the Lower Lune Valley, Wyresdale, Pilling, Preesall and Knott End, regardless of how or whether you vote.

My contact details are below.

 Email: eric.ollerenshaw.mp@parliament.uk Phone: 0207 219 7096 or 01995 672975

Write: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or 59 High Street, Great Eccleston, Lancs, PR3 0YB.