I sincerely hope we have seen the end of the extreme wet weather which we have experienced in the last few months. I am continuing to liaise with the Environment Agency in order to support those who have been affected by the flooding and who could be affected in the future.
It was a great honour to welcome HRH Prince Harry during his recent visit to the area and I am delighted he had the opportunity to talk to residents. He took a genuine interest in the area and how the flooding has affected the town and the impact this has had on the everyday lives of residents. I was also pleased to welcome the Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP, to the area and visit St Michaels Church of England school to see the flood damage first-hand. The headteacher of St Michaels, Cathy Bough, led the visit where we also visited temporary classes at Turnover Hall Farm Caravan Park. The Minister was particularly impressed by the way the St Michaels had worked together to support each other and the school.
Life continues to be busy in Westminster and it is always a pleasure when I can take time out to welcome local schools to Parliament. Breck Primary School from Poulton and Garstang St Thomas, among others, have been recent visitors. I hope the school groups enjoyed their time in London and found the visit both enjoyable and informative. I certainly do not envy the long coach journeys to London and back that some school groups make!
I recently attended a management meeting with Wyre Council where many issues were discussed including planning and of course the recent flooding. I have also attended the Park Home Industry National Conference earlier this month and met with Heather Barton, Owner and Manager of Burlingham Park. I recognise the importance of park homes to our area and the fact that the concerns of residents must be heard.
It would be wrong of me if I did not mention the Budget which was passed by Lancashire County Council recently. This is not the correct forum to be political, but I am disappointed with many of the decisions made in relation to subsidised bus services and libraries. I do understand there is a contingency fund which may help to save some services and I also understand that some bus operators are looking at retaining some services. Please be assured that I am continuing to make my objections known to Lancashire County Council and I am looking into these issues in detail.
If I can be of any assistance to you please contact my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804 or my Constituency Office on 01995 672977. You can also email me at [email protected] or write to me at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.