Happy New Year to everyone in Eastbourne and Willingdon! I hope you were able to take time off and meet with family and friends.
After the Christmas lights, the still dark days of January can feel like heavy weather. We have three imminent birthdays in my household so cake & candles fills the gap!
I have high hopes for 2023, even as we start the year with a number of challenges not least a series of train strikes for travellers to contend with. The pandemic has seen passenger numbers tumble and further industrial action like this is forcing people to design out trains from their working and leisure time.
The unions have been offered a pay rise with no redundancies for two years linked to reform of working practices. The railways need reform if they are to prosper and I cannot see how this position by the rail operators is unreasonable. In the meantime, the taxpayer is picking up a £2 billion a year bill to subsidise the rail network. I do urge the unions to look to reach a deal that secures the long-term viability of our rail network.
This disruption is bad for Eastbourne. It needs trains up and running as a modern service meeting the needs of local people.
I have a huge programme of work and visits ahead which starts with Lord Markham - the minister responsible for our proposed new hospital in Eastbourne. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our local health service.
This is closely followed by my next meeting with the Home Office team on the plans to release the town’s hotels from use as emergency accommodation to asylum seekers. I am working with Council officers on this.
And in the spirit of a new year, I am delighted to say that my popular coach tours to Westminster start again this month after the Pandemic hiatus. January’s trip is full and the next is filling up fast.
A coach goes from the Station to Westminster before my team gives a tour explaining the history of the Palace with lunch included.
You can sign up through the contact page on this website: https://www.carolineansell.co.uk/contact
