Last week I was very pleased to join Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP on a visit to Swindon Station. The Minister visited the team at Network Rail and came to see the station facilities here in Swindon for himself, as well as hearing representations about how we can improve Swindon Station.
I was pleased that the Minister recognised Swindon’s massive potential and could see for himself the investment going on around the town, as a result of Conservative Government funding, which I worked hard to secure alongside North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson. I was also very pleased to have the opportunity to show the Minister around the station, as well as showing him exactly what needs to be done at Swindon Station to make it even better.
We need more access to the station, better car parking facilities, and more competitive rail fares, which is a big issue for local residents in particular who are regularly travelling to London to work.
The Minister heard loud and clear the action that needs to be taken on behalf of Swindon residents, and I am pleased that he has agreed to carefully consider what can be done to help deliver the ambitions that I have to improve our rail station for local residents.
Ever since first becoming a Member of Parliament here in South Swindon back in 2010, I have worked very closely with the dedicated team at the Prospect Hospice.
Since 1980, Prospect Hospice has been working hard to provide an excellent dedicated end-of-life care service for people here in South Swindon and beyond, providing a broad range of services to thousands of patients, carers, and family members every year.
I regularly visit Prospect Hospice to meet with the team, as well as promoting the work of the Hospice in Parliament, and I have also enjoyed taking part in many fundraising events on behalf of the charity over the years.
I am very keen to speak in the planned Hospice Debate in Parliament, in strong support of this excellent local charity’s work, so I was disappointed when the debate was withdrawn yesterday, due to insufficient time. However, it is vital that this very important debate is given the time that it rightly needs and deserves.
I will be watching closely for the new Hospice Debate date to be announced, and I still very much hope to be able to take part, on behalf of the many local residents who have contacted me about this issue, as well as the wonderful team at the Prospect Hospice.
Finally, before Recess ended, I was very pleased to visit the wonderful Shine Bright Nursery and Pre-School in Westlea, to discuss how I can further support the team at the nursery as they work to provide the extra places needed, as a result of the additional support rolled out by the Conservative Government.
From September of this year, the Government’s 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds. In addition, from September 2025, eligible working parents with a child from 9 months old up to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
These changes mean that this is a challenging time for nurseries and pre -schools like Shine Bright Nursery and Pre-School, although it will be welcome news for working parents.
