I know that local residents will have been effected by the requirement to boil tap water before consumption. As you may know a microscopic organism called Cryptosporidium has been found at United Utilities Franklaw Water Treatment Centre in Catterall. I have been to visit the Treatment Centre today to see the measures which are being taken to ensure that this issue is resolved as soon as possible and our water is safe to drink again. As I write United Utilities have eradicated the bug from the Treatment Centre and are now testing to ensure that the whole network of pipes is flushed and the water received in our homes is safe to drink again. During my visit I learned about the measures United Utilities have been taking and what will be done to prevent future incidents. I was pleased to meet some of the workers at the Treatment Centre, many of whom have been working 24 hour shifts. United Utilities has agreed to pay compensation to those affected and is currently working on the finer detail of how the compensation would be delivered.
Punch Taverns Ltd have decided to appeal against Wyre Council’s decision to refuse them planning permission for a convenience store, to be located on the car park of The Shovels Inn in Hambleton. Given my concerns about the implications of the proposed development on highways safety, I have written to the Planning Inspectorate to make my objections known. I would encourage local residents to do the same.
I am disappointed that the Royal Bank of Scotland has decided to proceed with the closure of the Natwest branch in Knott-End in September. It is a cruel irony that the bank had used the branch for their advertising campaign back in 2011 when they promised not to close the last bank in town. The Natwest branch is, of course, Knott-End’s only bank. While not in my constituency, I know residents from Stalmine use the branch as the next closest bank is in Poulton. I wrote several weeks ago to the Chief Executive of Natwest to put forward the case for the bank remaining open, but the bank seems set on proceeding with the closure.
I have been informed that while the closure will go ahead, a mobile bank will visit Knott-End and it has been agreed that the Post Office will offer banking services. While not ideal, I do hope these measures will mean that local residents and traders can continue to carry out their banking in Knott-End.
You may recall that I have previously written about the great work of the charity “Cardiac Risk in the Young” (CRY). The charity perform free ECG heart screenings across the country for anyone aged between 14 and 35 years of age. The next screening session in our area will be held at Preston North End on 21st October. The appointments will available to book on line at www.testmyheart.org from 24th August.
Please be assured that I am continuing in my fight against the decision to grant Canatxx/Halite planning permission for their gas storage facility. As I mentioned in my last column, I have raised the case with the European Commission. Once I receive a response, I will be sure to provide readers with an update.
I look forward to seeing you out and about over the summer. If you would like to book an appointment please call my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804. I can also be contacted at my Constituency Office on 01995 672976, alternatively you can email me at [email protected] or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.