Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - September 2009
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 16:18, Tue 5 January 2010:
FAIR PAY FOR OUR TROOPS
Jeremy is calling for the Government to pay our soldiers the same as our emergency services. He argued;
“I believe that no member of the armed forces risking his or her life in combat should be paid less than a new recruit to the police force or fire service.
“Pay rates for soldiers, sailors and airmen have fallen behind other jobs in the public sector. This has a dreadful impact on morale and retention. We must take action now to restore the military covenant between the armed forces and the people.”
HEALTH & CARE SERVICES
Jeremy spent September focusing on the provision of health and care services locally.
On Musgrove Park Hospital’s campaign for a new surgical building:
“If Musgrove Park is unable to develop a new surgical building the danger is that the hospital will eventually be downgraded and less able to provide a comprehensive service for local people. The credit crunch and the massive government debt are making it much harder to fund new hospital buildings, but Musgrove Park has a plan in place and it is essential that this project goes ahead.”
After work-shadowing Somerset Care’s Cynthia Higgs:
“It was humbling and often moving to see her work in our community. The nature of at-home care means it is usually invisible to the wider public, but every hour, house-by-house, their compassion provides dignity and comfort for thousands of people across Taunton Deane.”
On opening the new extension to Longrun House:
“Longrun House provides first-class care for young adults with severe learning difficulties. It is located behind Castle School and many people do not know it even exists. I last visited Longrun House three years ago and I was impressed by the quality of the facilities.”
On the fundraising efforts of the Parkinson’s Disease Society:
“We have a very active Parkinson’s Disease Society in Taunton Deane. 120,000 people in Britain have the disease; it is a terrible illness which causes great difficulties for sufferers and their families. The money raised helps to provide care for people with Parkinson’s Disease and fund research into a possible cure, and I am grateful to local PDS supporters for their fundraising efforts.”
TAUNTON TRAIN STATION
Jeremy has asked First Great Western to improve the parking provision at Taunton station. He commented;
“The Firepool development could provide an opportunity to further increase the car parking capacity at Taunton train station. This problem is not going to disappear and it is actually likely to get even worse.
“I hope First Great Western can take the lead in working with Taunton Deane Borough Council to tackle the shortage of parking spaces at Taunton train station.” In the Community
SUMMER IN TAUNTON DEANE
In September, Jeremy joined in the celebrations at the beginning of the 10 Parishes Festival, visiting several art exhibitions and enjoying the entertainment. He commented;
“Hundreds of people enjoyed the opening street celebrations which included music, parades and theatrical performances. There were dozens of art exhibitions open to the public across the ten parishes. It was a wonderfully democratic festival with everyone having the opportunity to participate. There were exhibitions taking place in homes, shops and barns, and the Medieval Fair was helping to raise money for the essential refurbishment of Bishops Lydeard’s historic church.”
Elsewhere, Jeremy also enjoyed marking the start of Fitzhead resident Ken Roberts’ cycle ride around the world and the opening of the new skateboard park at Milverton Recreation Ground. He commented;
“Ken expects to be away for 4 years, so it was especially nice to see the whole of Fitzhead turn out in the centre of the village to wish him a safe and successful journey. There will undoubtedly be many highs and lows on the way round and some amazing experiences, but we are looking forward to welcoming Ken back home in time for Christmas 2013!”
“At a public meeting I held a few years ago in Milverton, two local boys – Tom Woodland and Oliver Eyres – told me how much they wanted a skateboard park in their village. After considerable planning and effort by local residents, there is now a fabulous new skateboard park on Milverton Recreation Ground. I am delighted the efforts of local residents like Tom and Oliver to create the park have come to such a successful conclusion.”
COMMUNITY JUSTICE
Jeremy has met with leading community figures to back the introduction of Community Justice Panels in Taunton. He said;
“Community Justice Panels were pioneered in Chard and then successfully introduced in Wellington. Offenders are confronted with the consequences of their actions and volunteers from the community have a direct ability to improve their neighbourhoods.
“It is vital that lower-level crime and anti-social behaviour are dealt with swiftly and effectively. Community Justice Panels have proven to be very successful at stopping crime from escalating and cutting reoffending rates.
“The new idea is to set up Community Justice Panels in large parts of Taunton. The police are enthusiastic about this proposal and it is also supported by councillors and other community figures.
“People living in Taunton want practical plans to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods. Community Justice Panels can make a positive difference and I am very supportive of their introduction in Taunton.”
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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