As the Parliamentary session draws to a close this week, there is a chance to look back on the year.
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which threatens to ride roughshod over the views of local people when it comes to maintaining our green belt and listening to concerns about water supplies, flooding, infrastructure and the use of prime agricultural land for housing, has been part of a number of campaigns in which I am involved.
I am working with those opposed to the massive line of pylons proposed to run from Norwich to Tilbury, as the structures will wreck our beautiful countryside – it’s infuriating when there are offshore and underground alternatives – and I will continue to fight them every step of the way.
I’m also assisting the people of Tawney Common in bringing their concerns about proposals for a solar farm in the midst of their tiny community, and the residents of West Horndon who are facing plans for thousands of new homes to be built around the village, turning it from a village to a sizeable town.
Entrepreneurs are worried about the devastating impact of the Government’s imposition of higher taxes and business rates which could cut jobs and see some small businesses close.
But I don’t want to end the year on a low! As Parliament draws stumps, I am looking forward to completing my Christmas shopping in our fabulous local shops, and taking part in some of the Christmas carol concerts and services across the constituency too. May you have a very happy Christmas and New Year. www.alexburghart.org.uk
