Local Economic Update
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 16:25, Fri 27 February 2009:
LOCAL ECONOMIC UPDATE
Computershare is one of Bristol South's biggest employers, so I was pleased to meet with Directors last week to discuss their response to the recession. Unfortunately, the company made some redundancies before Christmas. I will be working with the management, staff and trade unions to offer any help I can to prevent any further redundancies. I was also concerned to hear about the Co-operative's decision to cut up to 800 jobs from Somerfield Headquarters in Whitchurch, as the takeover of Somerfield continues. While these job losses are not a result of the recession, this is still very difficult news for staff and their families. I will be contacting the Co-op to ensure that relocation to Manchester is offered for employees who are able to move, however, I realise that this will not be a viable option for most staff, so I will continue to do all I can to help those who do lose their jobs.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY CONFERENCE
I spoke at a conference at the Withywood Centre this morning to discuss the difficult issue of teenage pregnancy. Bristol South has a higher than average level of teenage pregnancy, and the Department of Health, NHS Bristol and the City Council are working hard to reduce this. Only this week, I was pleased to announce £20 million of extra funding for contraception in areas with high levels of teenage pregnancy. The Government's strategy is to encourage young people to delay early sexual activity, and to take precautions when they do become sexually active. Locally, projects like the Hartcliffe and Withywood Teenage Parents Project are making a real difference. Of course, it's important to mention that younger parents almost always do the very best for their children, and there are some really notable success stories.
ASHTON PARK DEVELOPMENT
Today I met with LandTrust Developments to discuss “Ashton Park” – a proposed new city district to the south west of Bristol. The new development would consist of around 10,000 homes, and include offices, shops, schools and parks. I took the opportunity to raise issues that I know are of concern to people living in neighbouring areas such as the environmental impact and the need to ensure appropriate transport connections and community facilities are in place. An exhibition of the plans is available to view at the Architecture Centre on Narrow Quay in the city centre until 8 March where you can have your say about the proposals. More information about the Ashton Park development is available on the following website: www.ashton-park.co.uk
NEW SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE OPENED
Last week, I opened a new centre in Bristol to support the victims of rape and sexual assault. The Bridge, at the Central Clinic on Tower Hill, will provide emotional support for victims, as well as being able to offer help for those who wish to pursue a criminal investigation. The project has been set up thanks to a partnership between the NHS, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and voluntary organisations.
The centre is hugely important for Bristol and the surrounding areas. Rape and sexual assault are absolutely appalling crimes, and we need to do everything we can both to catch the perpetrators and support the victims. What’s different about The Bridge is that it is entirely victim orientated and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of rape or a sexual assault to make use of the facilities at The Bridge. I hope that they will be able to offer support and comfort during the most difficult of times for people.
MEETING BRISTOL AIRPORT'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE
I met recently with Robert Sinclair, the new Chief Executive of Bristol International Airport. BIA have recently revealed proposals for expansion, so I was keen to arrange a briefing with airport bosses at the earliest opportunity. The airport is an important part of our local and regional economy. A number of Bristol South residents work there, and the airport’s proposals would create hundreds of new jobs. However, we need to balance the benefits of airport expansion with the genuine concerns that many residents have over the potential environmental consequences of expansion. The planning application will be formally considered by North Somerset Council, but I am determined that residents in Bristol South should have their say. If you have any comments about the airport’s plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
As you may have seen in the news, the Labour Cabinet on Bristol City Council resigned this week. This was because the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives joined forces to oppose Labour's waste plan, jeopardising the future finances of the Council and, of course, of council tax payers. The Labour run Council had made significant advances in the last two years, securing considerable investment in our city and carrying out a shake-up of senior management. The Labour councillors will now offer constructive opposition to the new Liberal Democrat administration. I will also be ensuring that Bristol South is not forgotten by the Lib Dems, and that recent improvements are not squandered.
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just You can email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH. Alternatively, for more information on what’s happening in and around Bristol South, you can visit www.bristolsouthlabourparty.org.uk.
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