Welcomed news but don’t
let it hide the issues
Labours
Parliamentary Candidate Scott Dickinson today welcomed the news about the
11miles of the A1 that is set to be duelled, Northumberland County Council
officers and politicians playing a vital part of that writing economic plans
and meeting with the DFT to present them. However the devil of course will be
in the detail, securing the remaining 22miles and ensuring that these current
plans are actually delivered. We MUST however not let this cloud our view of
the issues faced in this Constituency. While the Libdems and Tories fight out
who should take credit for the duelling of the A1 important issues are not
being focused on.
Food banks
in North Northumberland are at an all- time high with families struggling to
feed families. The NHS is under threat from the Coalition Government with the
Labour Politicians at County Hall stepping in to finance a new Hospital for
Berwick to ensure new modern day facilities are available. Local Government
Cuts of £130million impacting on jobs and services while Council bosses
minimise the impact and think of innovative ways to work differently and
support communities. Housing issues
rarely talked about by the other parties with houses now being built across
North Northumberland supporting those left on the Housing lists by Libdems for
years. We must also remember despite these financial restraints Labour bosses
at County Hall have allocated without any support from Government £33million
towards the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne Line which will open the Rural Coalfield
area and wider communities to new jobs and experiences to benefit
Northumberland creating a gateway network
to Northumberland.
So this is a
gentle reminder that I know many people don’t need but for others let’s
remember that the A1 is an announcement welcomed its timing is electioneering
and its creating a smoke and mirrors approach to cover or shift the discussion
from some incredibly important issues in North Northumberland that are being
totally ignored or brushed away for the election.
