What I Stand For Locally
Encouraging plans for Ilkeston Train station
Ilkeston is in need of some transport development and I believe the plans for a train station is just that. If I'm elected I want to ensure the securing of funding is found and making sure the projects delivered. I want to work in close partnership of Erewash Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council in making sure the project is delivered.
Wants to see free town parking
Long Eaton and Ilkeston's shops and local trade is in decline. Buildings are left empty and sole traders are struggling. As a member of Parliament I want to see parking charges abolished within our towns to encourage shoppers to return. The economy is a big issue and I believe in sorting the issues out on our own doorstep first, which is why I want to take immediate action within our towns to secure our local economy.
Wants to see our market places in permanent places
As I said above, our local shops are in decline, especially our market traders. I want to see good consultation with the market traders and permanent places for the stalls throughout Long Eaton and Ilkeston encouraging stall holders to return.
Against plans for Stanton development
I believe the plans put forward are abysmal, and I think planners have been greedy. The derelict site as it stands is a mess, and does need regeneration and development, I have no objection to them building houses but the plans put forward are unacceptable. Erewash has a high unemployment rate and I believe that a huge development like the one proposed will not benefit the community. Fewer homes without need for traffic development would be appropriate and as a member of Parliament I wouldn't accept anything that damaged the infrastructure of the area.
Erewash still has a small amount of beautiful country side and these plans will have massive consequences on our rural areas and we must not allow it to disappear under yet more concrete. I support the campaign against the project called 'Greensqueeze'.
Wants to see local Erewash schools rebuilt
I'm in support of the Government's 'Building schools for the future' initiative and new beautiful School buildings like Long Eaton School. As a member of Parliament I will try and get our local Schools fast tracked and built sooner because I value education and young people in Erewash.
Tackling local unemployment and housing problems
Unemployment in Erewash is such a key issue especially amongst the young. Nationally as our country comes out of recession more jobs will become available. Although this will happen, action still needs to be taken. As a member of Parliament I want to run a campaign called 'Love Erewash' awarding business points for recycling, employing young people and many other initiatives. New jobs in our own town centres and in the industrial estates will hopefully arise as a result of my campaign and national Government schemes.
Housing is a key problem for some local people, with individuals who can't even get on the housing ladder. I want to see more quality council housing projects as well as independent housing projects. I would like to see smaller plans for the Stanton project which will be able to house some of our residents. I want to see good quality housing for local people.
Keeping Skills and Trades Local
Skills and trades are disappearing locally and businesses are finding it cheaper to do things abroad. I want to see local skills and trades remain within Erewash. Local heritage and factories are leaving our towns and I want to see them stay, and as MP I will do all in my power to keep skills and trades local.
Ensuring Safer Communities
We're living in an age when communities are not safe and vandalism is at its highest, I want to make a pledge to Erewash that as an MP I will serve the community and do everything in my power to step up policing and Community Support Officers to make our communities safer. I'm in support of the 'Policing pledge' and other initiatives like Pride in Erewash which is all about making our community a better place to live. I want to see tougher punishments for criminals that vandalise our towns and steal from our community.
Giving young people facilities and opportunities
Being young myself brings many advantages, I know what young people need and want within Erewash. Sitting on national and local committees representing young people, I can be a good voice and a good representation for young people. As MP I want to be able to offer young people in Erewash the best facilities to keep them off the streets and engaged in activities. I want to have a good strong working relationship with Derbyshire County Council's Youth Service working with them to make sure young people from all over Erewash can access and know about activities in our community.