ChALC

Fiona Bruce MP Speaks at AGM of Cheshire Association of Local Councils

The 2011 AGM of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils (ChALC) was held in Middlewich this week. Approximately 200 Councillors and Officers from Town and Parish Councils across Cheshire packed Middlewich Civic Hall.

Delegates’ discussions focused on the fairness of Unitary Authorities adequately recompensing Councils who take responsibility for Local Street cleansing, as well as the importance of protecting greenbelt and green gap areas across Cheshire in light of the changes proposed by the National Planning Policy Framework currently before Parliament.

Fiona Bruce MP addressed the meeting and informed delegates that she has made representations to Greg Clark Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, on behalf of Cheshire Councils for transitional arrangements to be put in place to ensure ongoing protection for greenbelt and green spaces in Cheshire prior to the new local development frameworks being put in place, which on present time scales will be completed after the NPPF comes into force.

Speaking after the meeting Fiona Bruce MP said “I’ve written to the Minister since because Cheshire East, in which my constituency of Congleton stands is a relatively new Unitary Council, it has not had time to put in place a local development framework, whilst pre-existing local plans for certain towns within the Unitary Council area will shortly expire – leaving a potential void in the designation of green spaces to be retained as un-built areas which, without appropriate transitional area to protect them – developers may seize upon.  It is essential that we protect these precious green areas – Cheshire should not be put in a detrimental position as a result of re-organisation required by the last Government and the resulting potentially conflicting timetables of two sets of plans the LDF and the NPPF.

 Developers are already targeting green spaces in Sandbach and Middlewich – I am acutely aware of how real the concerns of residents are within my constituency to ensure that these areas remain open and un-built upon for people to enjoy.”

Chairman, Stuart Hulse said:

"The Cheshire Association of local Councils was delighted that Fiona Bruce MP was able to take time from her busy schedule to attend our AGM. I think Fiona was impressed by the turn out showing that the first tier of local Government is alive and well in the County of Cheshire. Fiona impressed delegates with her understanding of the concerns of delegates that changes to the planning regime may put the green belt under pressure."

Speed Networking

Fiona Bruce MP goes ‘Speed Networking’ via video message

Speaking via video message at a recent Speed Networking event held at Crewe Alex Football Club and hosted by Community and Voluntary Services Cheshire East and Cheshire East Council to help strengthen and support voluntary work in the area, Fiona Bruce MP said:

“I am really pleased to see this event taking place.  It provides a great opportunity for local voluntary and community groups to network with Cheshire East Council.  The Government is working to make it easier to run a charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation; to make more resources available for much valued, Voluntary, Community and Faith organisations and to make it easier for these organisations to work with Councils and other public bodies.

In order to achieve this it is important for the Local Authority to have strong, effective links with local Voluntary and Community groups.  In this way, together, we can all get the best outcomes for local communities and individuals.

Everyone involved in providing community services works hard to support vulnerable people.  Local services in this area are already very good; everyone involved is, I know, keen to look at even better ways of providing the help local people need and in the way they want it.

The good attendance at today’s event from Cheshire East Councillors and Staff shows just how important the Council considers the work that Voluntary, Faith and Community groups do and how much the Council wants to strengthen and support their work.

Communication is key to good joint working.  What better way than an interactive networking event where people can make contacts for a better working future?   Today’s event will, I’m sure, prove beneficial for everyone involved, most of all those who need help right across Cheshire East.”

High Speed 2

MP signals opposition to High Speed 2 on behalf of constituents

In a speech in the House of Commons, yesterday, during a debate on High Speed 2, Fiona Bruce MP assured constituents of her vigorous opposition to any proposals to route the North West extension of line through her constituency. NB - (Details of the North West extension are due to be published by the Department for Transport in December).

Fiona has already received a significant number of letters from constituents opposed to the new high speed line connecting London and Manchester, via Birmingham, which as proposed, will cost £32 billion.

NOTE TO EDITOR

The speech can be found below.

ENDS

5.16 pm

Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): As a north-west MP, I wish to represent the concerns that my constituents have expressed to me both in correspondence and at

13 Oct 2011 : Column 584

meetings. The area of Cheshire that my constituency covers lies some 25 miles south of Manchester. Over recent years, journey times to London by rail have improved and the area is now well served, with a journey time of less than two hours from Euston. On the basis that stops reduce journey times, a new HS2 track is likely to run through or near my constituency but with no HS2 stops or links. An area that is currently well served might find not only that HS2 bypasses it, but that existing services become fewer and slower. Services from Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent, both of which serve my constituency, could suffer considerable disadvantage. Passengers from London using a new HS2 line could have to travel north to Manchester, then make a connection and return south on a local line. It is difficult to see how there would be much, if any, time saving on a journey from London.

Let me turn now to the economic regeneration argument. The north-west is a wide area, and although HS2 might benefit the area immediately around Manchester—assuming that is the key north-west HS2 stop—it is questionable whether such benefits would radiate across the north-west region so as to benefit constituencies, such as my own, that are further afield. There is the additional concern that the flow of economic regeneration could be towards London and away from the north-west, so a project designed to bridge the north-south divide could have the opposite effect.

The cost, some £32 billion, is perceived by many of my constituents as an inordinate amount of money at a time of severe economic pressure for the questionable benefits they will gain, particularly the many who do not use train travel at all. Several transport pressure points in my constituency are of far greater concern to them, and attention to those would immediately bring clear economic benefits to the area and the region, including freeing up not just local traffic but the M6 traffic flow from Birmingham up to the north-west.

Notably, those would include opening up to passengers the Middlewich rail link, which is currently used only for freight, improvements to junction 17 of the M6 at Sandbach, and action to protect the Holmes Chapel community from the excessive speed and volume of vehicles that they constantly endure. All those issues could be resolved at a fraction of the £51 million that I understand would be the cost of HS2 to my constituency.

When it comes to international travel, it is unlikely that an HS2 line north of Birmingham to Manchester would make much material difference to residents in my constituency, living as they do half an hour from Manchester and only a little further form Liverpool airport.

Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): May I clarify something? On the one hand, my hon. Friend is saying that living near Manchester airport is a good thing for her constituents—but is she also saying that living near the Manchester hub for high-speed rail would not be a good thing for them? I do not see how the two ideas run together.

Fiona Bruce: I am saying that to travel from London to the north-west by HS2 would not benefit my constituents materially. Nor would it benefit them to travel by HS2 down to the continent, because it is quicker, and certainly more economical with the current fares, to go from Manchester or Liverpool airport.

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I agree that there is a strong case for enhancing the capacity of our inter-city rail network, including the west coast main line, but there are a number of solutions that could be achieved at a fraction of the cost of HS2 to my constituents. Many of those solutions have already been mentioned, such as improving provision for freight transportation or signalling. Others include improving the integrated regional network to take communities out of their cars in the north-west, increasing the number of platforms at Manchester Piccadilly to improve the commuter trains that are available, and increasing track numbers between Crewe and Manchester. I accept that the route of the extension from Birmingham to Manchester has not yet been specified, but I want to assure my constituents that if it runs through any part of my constituency, with the attendant environmental and other damage to farmland, residential areas and communities, they can be assured of my vigorous opposition to any such plan on their behalf.

Royal Visit to Jodrell Bank

MP, Fiona, welcomes HRH Duke of York to Jodrell Bank

On Friday 7^th October, Fiona Bruce MP welcomed His Royal Highness the Duke of York to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in her constituency as part of a one day business trip to the North West.

The Prince toured the Observatory before planting a tree, which commememorated his visit.

Over the past year Fiona has been pleased to support Jodrell Bank in its application to be the UK’s candidate for the international competition to host the Square Kilometer Array Project Office and for consideration of World Heritage Status.

Earlier this week, Jodrell Bank was unveiled as part of a set of commemorative stamps issued by Royal Mail which celebrates ‘UK A – Z’[1]. ‘J for Jodrell Bank’ will be available for purchase from Thursday.

Fiona said:

‘I was delighted to welcome Prince Andrew to my constituency to this internationally renowned facility, which 50 years after such an exciting scientific development continues to be at the forefront of worldwide developments in astrophysics.

Jodrell Bank can be seen from so many vantage points within my constituency and is a fantastic visitor attraction. I hope the Duke’s visit, which recognises the international significance of Jodrell Bank, will inspire more people to see what such an exciting and

local facility has to offer to so many people’.

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[1] For each letter of the alphabet an iconic landmark of the UK is assigned, ranging from ancient to modern and from spiritual to spectacular; but each has an essential presence in the nation's fabric. www.royalmail.com

Child Protection Online

Fiona Bruce MP welcomes today’s announcement for internet and other safeguards for children as a good first step – but more needs to be done

In new measures announced today, four leading web providers (BT, Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin) have joined forces to make it easier for families to block access by children to inappropriate adult content on the internet.

A new service, ‘Active Choice,’ will enable new subscribers to select whether or not their children can access adult material online. The service will be available by October 2012.

Fiona Bruce, one of a number of MPs in a cross-party Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection which is pressing for reforms to protect children, said today:

“I welcome this development as the start of a much needed process to protect children from adult x-rated content which far too many can access online. However, much more needs to be done and many questions need to be answered - Active Choice is only to be available for new subscribers – so as 77 per cent of British households already have internet access, they will not be covered; the scheme obviously needs to be extended. Additionally, bearing in the mind the technology to implement Active Choice already exists; this should be done much more quickly than October 2012.”

Other announcements made today by the Prime Minister to limit the sexualisation of children include a ban on billboards displaying risqué images near schools and the launch of Parentport.

Parentport - www.parentport.org.uk - is a website enabling people to complain about television programmes, advertisements, products or services which they believe to be unsuitable for children. This could include complaints over children’s fashion, such as padded bras for seven year old girls or the sexualised performances of Rihanna and Christina Aguilera on programmes such as The X Factor. Fiona Bruce is urging residents in the Congleton constituency to make their views known through this website.

In addition to her involvement in the Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection, Fiona also assisted the development of the ‘Buy Bye Childhood’ campaign, conducting consultations with concerned groups in Cheshire. This campaign, in conjunction with the Bailey Review, urged the Government to take steps to reduce the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood. The moves announced today form part of the Government’s response to this pressure for action in this area which Fiona says “reflects the concerns of very many of my constituents.”

Fiona commented:

“I have no doubt today’s announcements stem in large part from the Government listening to these campaigns and I am pleased that the Prime Minister is personally ensuring that action is being taken. I will continue to campaign to increase child safety online and also ensure this Government enables every child to have the childhood they deserve.”

Joanne Speed, CEO of the Congleton based charity v i s y o n, commented:

“As a local charity engaged in supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people, we are very pleased to hear of the developments in Parliament today with respect to  child internet safety and highly endorse the work of Fiona and other MPs in this field. There is no doubt that children and young people today are exposed to a whole range of issues that they should be protected from, and this has a severely undermining and damaging impact on their emotional health and wellbeing. We look forward to hearing of further developments in the near future, and continue to support the ongoing parliamentary campaign to reduce the commercialisation and sexualisation of our children and young people.”

Careers Day in Congleton

MP praises Careers, Jobs & Training Open Day in Congleton

Fiona Bruce MP attended the Big Kiss event at Congleton Town Hall on Thursday.  The event was held in order for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet employers and local businesses, giving them chance to receive guidance on such things as CV writing, business set up, participate in mock interviews, motivational training and presentations and workshops. KISS is an acronym for Knowledge, Information Sharing and Support, with the aim of providing these to connect people with learning and employment opportunities.

The event was opened by Ann Webb, Headteacher of Eaton Bank School with David Hermitt, Principal of Congleton High School and Fiona Bruce MP.

Fiona said “One of the key ways in which we can maximise job opportunities for people, young and old alike, in Congleton is for the schools and other training organisations to work closely with local businesses.  I am working on helping to strengthen this so that we really can match up employer’s needs with appropriate skills training and information about local job opportunities.  That’s why the Big Kiss was such a great event, bringing so many of these key players together in the same place, at the same time.

What is also great to see, are the number of new Apprenticeships in this area – this is something the Government sees as a major initiative – the country needs their skills.  The vocational route to a career should be just as accessible and navigable as academia and everyone with practical talents should be equally able to fulfil their potential and be given the opportunity to make a valuable contribution. It’s great to see the wide range of Apprenticeship opportunities available in the Cheshire area –from Health and Social Care to Business Administration and Professional Cookery, and the increasing number of local employers offering them.”

Middlewich Work Club

Work Clubs off to flying start as MP’s visit shows

Fiona Bruce MP recently visited a ‘Work Club’ and found a much needed and worthwhile local service for those people seeking help in looking for, and acquiring, a job.  Whilst there the MP met with Work Club Manager, Cath Barton, and job-seeker Steve Dodd who has successfully used the service.

Steve, who sought help getting extra training after losing his job in August, said “I could understand everything, I only went in last Thursday and within a week Cath’s really improved my CV, confirmed my training place, found the funding for it and I do it all next week!”

“A friend told me about this place and I’ve heard everyone who comes here says its spot on.  I feel much more confident.  I’m sure I’ll find a job soon.”

Cath Barton said “Success can be getting people a job but just as important is confidence building.  I have a very down to earth approach so it’s really easy for people.  I’m very pleased with the interest after just a month and am grateful to Plus Dane Housing for providing the premises for our Middlewich and Alsager clubs”

Adele Fletcher who oversees the work club project added that “Our Work Clubs also give an opportunity for individuals to get together to support each other...Work Clubs enable job searchers to widen their social networks and gain encouragement and support from their peers.”

The Work Clubs meet in Alsager, Congleton and Middlewich and provide such services as support with CVs, internet access, help completing application forms, opportunities to meet other jobseekers and local employers and information about courses and job opportunities. People can simply drop in to any of the sessions or can call 01260 290682. All services are provided completely free of charge.

After spending time at the Work Club, Fiona Bruce MP said “This Work Club has just the right approach – often it can be daunting if you are looking for a job and the friendly help provided, as well as the practical support with CV writing, applications and training opportunities, is just what people need – as Steve’s experience clearly shows.”

The work clubs are held in: Middlewich every Thursday 10am -12.30pm at 10 Dale Court, in Alsager every other Wednesday 2-4.30pm at 1 Grove Court, and at Congleton each Tuesday 10am-12pm at Congleton Learning Centre, Riverside, Mountbatten Way

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Internet Business Directory

IBD Internet Business Directory brings international success to Congleton

Fiona Bruce MP recently met with Peter Clowes and Cathy Dean of IBD Internet Business Directory to hear how they had become number one internet business directory in the UK and top of the international Google search!

Peter Clowes started building the website for his business in 2003 and is now on his 3^rd re-design. He says “what marks out this business directory from others is that whilst others base their directories on category, IBD is based on geography so customers can quickly find the business they want, which is near to them.  Businesses can decide whether they wish to advertise their services Locally, Regionally or Nationally.  One of the most unique things about IBD is that it designs an individual advert for each business with its own web address so that visitors do not have to visit IBD to find a business but will find it in the search engine.  Furthermore, these adverts come with no third party advertising at all.”

IBD is a Congleton based, family run business with Peter Clowes and his two daughters Cathy Dean and Jackie Moss taking the helm. A quick Google.co.uk search for – internet business directory - shows that IBD is the top result!

Fiona Bruce MP said “It is wonderful to see a local, family run business achieving such success – a real example of local enterprise. Congratulations to Peter and his daughters on their accomplishment.”

Peter and his daughter Cathy are also Area Leaders for 4 Networking, helping to support  7 groups between them, covering Alsager, Buxton, Congleton, Crewe, Glossop, Matlock and Trentham.