Food banks in North Northumberland are at an all- time high with families struggling to feed families

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.