After a busy year the Christmas holiday gives us a brief space to reflect on 2014 and look on to the challenges ahead. It is also a time to appreciate the most important things in life – the family and friends who support us through the hard times and the good.
2014 has been a momentous year. We marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War; I had the honour of lighting the 'Flame of Remembrance' that will burn at the gates of Tatton Park until 11th November 2018. As the year draws to a close I will be thinking of those in uniform in our armed services and emergency services who are there to protect us.
It has also been an eventful year for the Wilmslow area. The Connecting Cheshire Project continued to bring high-speed broadband to our rural homes and businesses. Healthcare continues to be a top priority for local people and I was pleased to launch the new Advanced Dementia team at East Cheshire Hospice whilst waiving VAT for hospice charities that provide such comfort and support to people across Cheshire. I also continued to campaign on the issues that matter to Wilmslow. Education is a top priority and I was honoured to open the outstanding new facilities at Styal and Dean Oaks schools.
I was delighted to welcome new businesses to boost Cheshire's growing economy, such as the fantastic new Waters Corporation site and the new companies coming to Alderley Park. Healthcare is also a key issue, particularly at this time of year; I joined forces with Colshaw Farm's Snow Angels to run a flu drive for vulnerable and elderly residents and will continue to work hard with these great local organisations to support those who need our help. Our community continues to be a force for good, with organisations like Incredible Edible bringing volunteers together to plant fruit and vegetables and encourage local people to get involved.
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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Get real !
The deficit has soared by £89.7billion in just 12 months - despite the Chancellor's pledge to balance the books by next year.