It’s been exactly 100 days since I was elected as Telford’s new MP.
.
In that time I’ve been hard at work delivering results on my six point plan for Telford.
I have met with decision makers about the plans to build a new critical care unit and lobbied hard for it to come to Telford, making the Princess Royal into a “Super Hospital.” The local Clinical Commissioning Group have narrowed the options to either Telford or Shrewsbury and are publishing their plan in a few weeks: I have urged them to site the new unit inTelford, where the health care need is greatest.
In Parliament I’ve asked questions of Ministers about improving our transport links. I have asked transport Minister Andrew Jones about the changes to bus routes in Telford, and about public money to support bus routes that are considered by Arriva to be commercially unviable in Telford.
I have also raised the issue of electrifying the railway between Telford and Wolverhampton to ensure faster, more frequent trains to Birmingham. I want to make sure that Telford is not forgotten about when these upgrades are being considered nationally.
Improving Telford’s digital links has been another key priority for our area. I have asked the big mobile phone operators to improve Telford’s mobile signal to ensure that Telford residents are always connected. Last month we saw the rollout of more high speed broadband for the area: I’m keen to work with Telford and Wrekin Council and broadband providers to ensure the rollout continues.
I welcome the news that the Council are reducing the amount of new homes they plan to build: however, protecting Telford’s green spaces remains a top priorities; that is why I have signed and backed a petition to save the ‘Green Patch’ in Telford’s new Southwater Development.
Following ongoing concern from residents, we had a public meeting in February about new traffic lights on roundabouts in the town, like those at the Severn Gorge roundabout. I want to see them made part-time. Despite assurances nothing much seems to have happened since then. I wrote to new Council Transport Chief Angela McClements to ask whether the Council was still looking into making this a reality. She has stated that the Council are aware of public feeling on the matter and are looking into turning off the lights. A further meeting it to take place in two weeks time. You can sign my petition here: http://www.lucyallan.com/traffic-light-petition
Getting young people into work has been a part of the my 6 point plan. I’m pleased that Telford youth unemployment is at record lows.There is amazing work being done in Telford with our young people to get them work ready and find jobs. I will continue to support this and work with business to give young people opportunities. I have offered local young people work experience placements my office in Telford and London to help them build employability skills.
It is a privilege to represent Telford. I am so proud of the town I have been elected to serve. I will do my best to make Telford and even better place to live and work.