Newsletter: John Stevenson - October 2019
Quick Viewer: News Highlights, A69 Meeting, Future High Streets Fund
- JOHN STEVENSON MP HOSTS COFFEE MORNINGS ACROSS THE CONSTITUENCY see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP WELCOMES THE EDUCATION SECRETARY TO CARLISLE see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP AND SIR JAMES BEVAN CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF PHASE ONE OF THE CARLISLE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT SCHEME see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP CELEBRATES THE RE-OPENING OF THE ST NICHOLAS ARMS PUB see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP MEETS WITH THE TRANSPORT SECRETARY TO DISCUSS THE A69 see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP VISITS JTL TRAINING CENTRE see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP DELIGHTED WITH FREE AFTER 3PM ANNOUNCEMENT see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP WELCOMES THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF A POLICE COVENANT see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP SUPPORTS INWARD INVESTMENT TO KEEP THE LOCAL ECONOMY GROWING see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP SUPPORTS THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A “BORDERLANDS 2 INITIATIVE” see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP CAMPAIGNS FOR A FREEPORT AT CARLISLE LAKE DISTRICT AIRPORT see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP PLEASED TO SEE FIBRE PROVISIONAL PROMISE TO COPPICE HOUSING ESTATE see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP DELIGHTED THAT CARLISLE HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR A SHARE OF THE FUTURE HIGH STREETS FUND see full story
- JOHN STEVENSON MP ATTENDS CARLISLE TALENT CONNECT EVENT see full story
John Stevenson MP has hosted a number of coffee mornings across Carlisle throughout the summer. These coffee mornings were in addition to the regular surgeries that John Stevenson holds in his constituency office, and
they offered a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.
The coffee morning tour over the summer recess has seen Mr Stevenson visit every corner of the Carlisle constituency, including Belah, Wetheral, Yewdale, Currock and Dalston, before finishing the tour with a coffee morning at Tullie House in the City Centre.
Local Conservative Councillors in these wards also attended, to assist constituents with any local issues that they are having. This included Councillor David Morton in Belah, Councillor Christine Finlayson and Councillor James Bainbridge in Yewdale and Councillor John Collier and Ann McKerrell in Dalston.
Mr Stevenson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting these coffee mornings over the course of the summer recess. The sessions have been well attended and a wide range of issues have been discussed, including on everything from international issues like Brexit, to much more local issues. It was great to have several of the Conservative Councillors join me in their wards. I look forward to hosting future coffee mornings throughout my constituency”.
John Stevenson MP welcomed Secretary of State for Education, The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP to Carlisle on Monday 16th September 2019. The Education Secretary visited Wreay Church of England Primary School, to discuss the increase in funding to schools with the teachers and other members of staff.
Both John Stevenson MP and Gavin Williamson MP were able to discuss various issues with the teachers on their tour of the School, before being treated to a performance by the Wreay Church of England Primary School’s choir in St Mary’s Church.
John Stevenson said: “It was great to visit Wreay Church of England Primary School today with the Secretary of State for Education. I enjoyed meeting with staff and seeing
some of the fantastic work that goes on at the school”.
On 31st July 2019, John Stevenson MP attended the launch of phase one of the £25 million Carlisle Flood Risk Management Scheme with the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan. Phase one of the scheme will better protect more than 1,200 homes and over 100 businesses in Carlisle.
The first phase of the Carlisle Flood Risk Management Scheme will involve building and improving flood defences at Melbourne Park, the raising of land at the entrance to Tesco at the junction off Warwick Road, as well as work on and around Botcherby Bridge, which aims to improve the flow of water and to prevent the water levels from rising during periods of heavy rain. This phase of the scheme also includes provisions to enhance wildlife habitats in Melbourne Park, such as the planting of wildflower meadows, which will in turn boost the populations of native birds and pollinators.
John said: “The Carlisle Flood Risk Management Scheme is vitally important for the protection of peoples’ homes and for local businesses. I was pleased to visit the site where phase one of the scheme was launched and to receive a tour of the project”.
On Friday 26th July 2019, John Stevenson MP visited The St Nicholas Arms pub on London Road, to celebrate its re-opening, following a £180,000 refurbishment. The Carlisle pub had been closed for around 18 months, but its re-opening has brought another 10 new jobs to the City.
John Stevenson MP said “It is good to see investment in Carlisle. The investment in The St Nicholas Arms has enabled the restoration of a historic building, created new jobs and contributed to a greater offer of hospitality in our city. Alison and her team have done a fantastic job and I hope this encourages further regeneration in Carlisle.”
John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle has met with Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport to discuss improvements to the A69 and
rerouting the road down the A689 from the Brampton Roundabout to Carlisle.
John has campaigned for a number of years to improve the A69, including the safety of residents living along the route; Warwick Bridge and Warwick on Eden. Rerouting and upgrading the road would make travel from Carlisle to Newcastle safer and quicker. These improvements to the A689 would also help with
economic development in the local area, particularly with Carlisle Lake District Airport now having regular flights to London Southend, Belfast City and Dublin Airport.
John said: “The Secretary of State for Transport is supportive of improvements to the A69 and has asked officials to look at the feasibility of upgrading the route and rerouting the current A69 along the A689.
He has agreed to discuss his support with Highways England, and I hope that progress can be made. This is an issue that I have campaigned for over the course of many years and one I have raised with successive Secretaries of State. I do hope that positive progress can be made so that connectivity can be improved to and from Carlisle.”
On Friday 20th September 2019, John Stevenson MP visited the new JTL training centre in Carlisle, for a tour of the centre’s facilities and to speak with both staff and students.
JTL was established in 1990 and it is now one of the largest work-based learning
providers in England and Wales. JTL work with over 3000 businesses, from large corporations to small local suppliers, and they train more apprentices than anyone else in the building services engineering sector.
JTL in Carlisle opened in May 2019, as the first dedicated JTL training centre in the North West. In Carlisle, JTL offer brand new fully equipped electrical workshops for up to 35 students, who
are studying for an electrical apprenticeship.
John said: “As many of you will know, I run an annual Skills Fair, which JTL attend. I was therefore delighted to visit the new JTL training centre and to see the fantastic facilities that are available to the students. JTL in Carlisle provides excellent opportunities for young people across the City”.
John Stevenson MP is pleased that the Conservative led Council have approved plans for 1,000 free car parking spaces in the City Centre after 3pm each day. This announcement follows the Conservative pledge at the recent local elections and an action day in the City Centre, where John Stevenson MP and local Conservative Councillors gathered signatures from members of the community, in support of ‘Free after 3pm’.
John Stevenson MP said: “I am delighted that the plans for free parking after 3pm in the City Centre have been approved. I hope that this will help revitalise the high street and boost our local economy. Carlisle City Centre is a great place to visit for both shopping and leisure. Therefore, I hope that this announcement will generate a greater footfall”.
Former Home Secretary, Sajid Javid has promised that police officers in Carlisle will be given protection in and out of the job through a Police Covenant – after the Government listened to demands from a campaign, supported by John Stevenson MP.
The MP for Carlisle was one of 60 Conservative MPs backing a Blue Collar Conservatism campaign, demanding that
the next Prime Minister introduces a Covenant, which would include measures to protect mental health of serving and retired officers, equip officers with the right resources and necessary powers to do the job. It had won the backing of all 19 Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners up and down the country, the Police Superintendents’ Association and from the Chair of the Police Federation of England.
John Stevenson MP said: “I am delighted to hear that support for a Police Covenant is growing. Police Officers play a vital role in our communities, so ensuring that they are provided with the appropriate level of protection is crucial. This covenant will be a pledge to all of our hard-working Police Officers up and down the country, showing that we recognise the responsibility they hold for the protection of life and property.”
The call for the Covenant was part of the Blue Collar Conservatism agenda, a group focused on talking and listening to regular voters about what they want to see government deliver on. Tatton MP Esther McVey, who set up the BCC group in Westminster, said: “I’m delighted the government is introducing a Police Covenant and that ministers are already pursuing a Blue Collar Conservatism agenda.
“We ask the police to take risks like no other part of the public sector and a new Police Covenant will show that we recognise this. It will enshrine the nation's gratitude to the police for the dangerous work they do by ensuring that we pay and treat them properly, during and after their service, delivering positive results for our police and for the communities they work tirelessly to keep safe.”
Ms McVey said other measures that needed to be in the Covenant included the legal protection for tough decisions they take to protect the public as well as acknowledging them and police staff for their valued contribution.
She added: “I look forward to
seeing the proposed detail and working with people on this. I have had many discussions with Police and Crime Commissioners, Police Federation representatives and Superintendents and I will be putting their views across to colleagues in the coming days to ensure this Covenant delivers on what it needs to.”
The former Home Secretary said a Police Covenant would recognise the bravery and commitment of police officers.
He said: “I’m pleased to announce that the Government plans to introduce a Police Covenant to provide the support the police so richly deserve. This will be a pledge to do more as a nation to help those who serve this country. It will ensure the sacrifice made by the police is properly recognised. I’m in awe of every officer who plays their part in keeping this country safe. Rest assured, the Government
has your back – and the Police Covenant will make sure of that.”
A consultation will now take place on the principle and scope of the Police Covenant.
John
Stevenson MP, a longstanding supporter and advocate of business investment believes that if Carlisle is to move to the next level, it is absolutely vital that it attracts new inward investment.
Over the last few years, the Carlisle and regional economy have continued to grow. Much of this has come from investment by existing businesses and Government initiatives particularly with regards to infrastructure.
It is clearly vital that local businesses do continue to invest and create employment and prosperity for the City and the wider region. However, it is also important that the City and region attracts additional investment, especially inward investment from new national and international companies.
John Stevenson said “Carlisle has been successful over the last few years. However, it is vital that we continue with the development of our City and seek not just investment from existing businesses in the area, but that we also concentrate on attracting new businesses and investment to the City and region.
I am encouraging the councils, the LEP and other organisations to give some thought as to how we can make sure that Carlisle is an attractive proposition, in an attempt to bring new businesses to the area.
I firmly believe that the Borderlands Growth Initiative has helped significantly in
raising the profile of Carlisle and the region. We now need to build on that.
I will certainly be willing to work with councils, the LEP and the private sector in ensuring that we publicise the benefits of investing in the City, but also ensuring that we highlight the advantages of investing in our region.”
John Stevenson MP believes that the region should be looking to future developments and opportunities following the success of Borderlands.
John was the Government’s Champion for the Borderlands Growth Initiative and worked with both councils, local MPs and Ministers to help achieve the deal.
John believes that it is vital that the region starts planning for future development. He has already been speaking with Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, about the future possibilities.
John Stevenson MP said “The Borderlands Growth Initiative was a great success for our region, but we must not sit on our laurels. It is extremely important that we now move to what I would call a ‘Borderlands 2 Initiative’. I would very much encourage the local authorities to start thinking about future plans in this way.
I know that Jake Berry would certainly be supportive of this. Indeed, I have already spoken to him about a Borderlands 2 Initiative. On my return to Westminster I will therefore be taking up this conversation with the Minister and the new Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Jack, so that we can discuss how progress can be made with a view to progressing a Borderlands 2 Initiative.
Borderlands has had a positive impact for our region and put us on the national agenda. It is therefore extremely important that we do not lose the momentum but continue to grasp the opportunities to help see Carlisle and the wider region develop and grow successfully.”
John Stevenson believes that it is vital that the airport continues to develop following the beginning of commercial flights from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
The Government recently announced consideration of freeports in the north of England. John Stevenson MP believes that the Carlisle Lake District Airport could be an “airport freeport”.
In conjunction with Stobarts, John Stevenson has written to Liz Truss suggesting Carlisle Airport as a real possibility for a free port.
John Stevenson MP said: “The Government wants to rebalance the national economy with greater investment in the North. They are looking at the possibility of freeports as a way to achieve this. Carlisle Lake District Airport is perfectly positioned to
benefit from such a policy. I have written a joint letter with Stobarts setting out the case. I will be meeting with Ministers to discuss this exciting opportunity on my return to Parliament.”
John Stevenson MP is pleased that Fibre broadband is going to be provided by BT Openreach to the remaining properties on The Coppice Housing Estate.
Mr Stevenson has been informed that Taylor Wimpey and Openreach are going to work together to deliver fibre broadband to the remaining properties. Timescales are yet to be announced. However, residents can get updates via the Openreach website, as the project progresses.
Mr Stevenson said “I am pleased that all properties on the estate will receive Fibre to the Premises broadband. Fast and reliable broadband is extremely important for people to be able to access online services. It will enable people to work or run businesses from their homes and therefore help the local economy. It will also help with homework and assignments set by schools and other education providers. It will certainly be a significant development for the residents”.
Carlisle has been shortlisted as one of the fifty areas going forward into the next phase of applications for a share of the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund. This Fund was launched by the Government in December 2018, to reshape and renew high streets across the country. This investment is to allow the economy to grow and to ensure that living standards improve in a sustainable way in towns and cities across the UK.
Following the announcement of this shortlist, Carlisle have now been invited to submit a full business case to the Future High Streets Fund, with the final list of authorities who have been successful in obtaining capital funding being announced in Spring 2020. The Fund received over 300 expressions of interest from authorities nationwide, meaning that reaching the business case development phase is an excellent achievement.
John Stevenson MP said: “I am absolutely delighted that Carlisle has been shortlisted for the Future High Streets Fund. This will allow us to put forward more detailed proposals that are aimed at transforming Carlisle City Centre, including our ideas for new investments in infrastructure, for housing and for work spaces.
This positive development for the City follows the investment in a new Southern ring road, the St. Cuthbert’s Garden Village and the Borderland Inclusive Growth Initiative.”
On Saturday 21st September 2019, John Stevenson MP attended the Carlisle Talent Connect Event, which aimed to inspire young people, by showing what future career opportunities are available to them. Carlisle City Centre was split into four zones; the enterprise zone, careers zone, learning zone and chill out zone.
Throughout the day, attendees were able to get involved with interactive activities, view demonstrations and participate in workshops. There were also practical talks given to young people during the event, such as ones on cyber security, financial awareness and on building your confidence.
John Stevenson MP for Carlisle, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to discover the fantastic career opportunities that are available to them locally, without having to move away from Carlisle. I am pleased to hear that there will be such a variety of workshops and activities offered throughout the day, which I hope will inspire the next generation”.
Contact Details
Contact John Stevenson MP:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01228 550684
Post: 2 Currie Street, Carlisle, CA1 1HH
Online: www.johnstevensonmp.co.uk
Twitter: @JohnStevensonMP
