Over the past month or so, I have been working hard to support all of the local residents here in South Swindon who have been affected by flooding. I have visited a number of affected flood sites across the town, and following the heavy rain last Friday, I spoke further to affected residents in West Swindon.
Along with Councillors Suresh Gattapur, and Timothy Makofu, and residents, I have also worked at Whitehill Brook to help clear the area and improve the flow of the stream. This should help to make a difference in terms of erosion and making sure that we can minimise flooding.
Last Friday, I met local residents in the Birch Street area of the town, along with Thames Water, to discuss what could be done to help prevent further issues from occurring in the event of freak weather. I am glad that Swindon Borough Council has now carried out a gully clearance of the road and has also agreed to review the gully check regimes in targeted areas and how these might be changed in specific locations such as Birch Street.
I will continue to do all I can to support residents in the coming weeks and press for the necessary improvements from Thames Water, Swindon Borough Council, and The Environment Agency, as they continue to investigate the flooding issues that occurred across Swindon and collate and share information.
I am delighted to be accompanying team members from Dick Lovett and Apprentice Vehicle Technician, Crystal, at a Local Skills Champions’ Reception at 10 Downing Street later this afternoon. Crystal joined Dick Lovett on their apprenticeship scheme almost two years ago, and since the beginning of this year, she has covered work on the front desk at the dealership. She has also had the opportunity to work with Gary Moore at Ferrari twice, to work on the Ferrari 308 Gt4 restoration project. Crystal has gained valuable skills throughout her time as an apprentice at Dick Lovett, absorbing knowledge and techniques from the experienced technicians in the workshop. As well as gaining an understanding of what is required for the strict Porsche standard, alongside conducting the repair or diagnosis. The skills that Crystal is building up during her apprenticeship will help her to establish a long and successful career in the future.
Since first becoming your local Member of Parliament back in 2010, over 9,410 apprenticeships have been created in South Swindon. This is all part of the Conservative Government’s drive to improve skills and productivity in our economy. Along with the £21 million Government funded Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, which I helped to secure along with Justin Tomlinson MP, I continue to work very hard to make sure that more local people here in Swindon than ever before have the opportunity of higher-wage and higher-skilled jobs across a range of occupations and industries.
When it comes to the future of our town, I will continue to ensure that here in Swindon we are leading the way and that we continue to receive our fair share of Government funding, to help improve the career prospects and lives of thousands of local people.
Finally, my local charity of the week is The Ridgeway Breast Care Support Group, a group of volunteers who have come together to support anybody who has had or is still going through treatment for breast cancer. The group got together in 2010 when several patients and hospital staff identified a real need for a support group in the Swindon area.
Ridgeway Breast Care Support Group offer a mixture of regular events including coffee mornings, monthly evening talks and socials, and pamper sessions every couple of months throughout the year. The group also welcomes “other halves,” family members, and friends to meetings, which are described as very relaxed and friendly.
This wonderful local charity is totally self-funded, raising money in a variety of different ways, from selling trolley tokens, knitted brooches or cards, to holding a summer fair in the country or a fundraising Italian meal out at a local restaurant. Further information about this excellent local group can be found by visiting http://www.ridgewaybreastcaresupportgroup.org.uk/ or emailing [email protected]
