Supporting our Local Communities in difficult times

Covid has made meeting people more difficult over the last year. But I have kept up the pace by maximising the time when we have been out of lockdown and using zoom where possible.  You can catch up on my work at www.melstridemp.com. Key actions since over the last year include:-

Local Services – The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority decided not to pursue the closure of Ashburton Fire Station. Having worked closely with the crew manager and other staff to resist its closure I was delighted that our arguments for keeping it open proved successful. I visited the station for a fourth time in March and agreed to take up other issues affecting the station such as personnel cover when the station is short-staffed.

Education – Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic I visited several local schools to support National Reading Week and children’s mental health initiatives. When visits weren’t possible I partnered with Parent Zone and Google to teach Exminster and Bovey Tracey primary school pupils via video link about staying safe online. As the father of three daughters I am very aware of the risks of cyber-bullying and its impact on the mental health of young people, particularly via social media.

Business Support – As Chair of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee I have pressed the PM and Chancellor on the support available for businesses and employees throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with the committee making a difference in several key areas. These include greater help for self-employed workers and for parents returning to work after maternity or paternity leave who missed eligibility cut-offs. Between lockdowns I met with many local businesses to provide help and support, for example visiting Chudleigh to promote the take up of small business grants and working with the Ashburton Chamber of Trade to promote the safe re-opening of our shops. In October I was pleased to support the launch of Teign Valley Takeaway in Christow (a good example of how a business can adapt even in the toughest circumstances) and in the lead up to Christmas I joined local councillors and businesses in Chagford, Buckfastleigh and Bovey Tracey to encourage people to support our small businesses and shop locally as much as possible.

Environment & Transport – I chaired a key parliamentary inquiry into Decarbonisation and Green Finance, and through my involvement with Climate Assembly UK I have pressed the Government to ensure investment in green technology and jobs is at the heart of the UK’s recovery from the pandemic. In November, a decade of campaigning paid off when the Government gave the go ahead for the North Dartmoor Rail Route, which in addition to being an economic boost for tourism-based businesses within Dartmoor, should cut carbon emissions by taking cars off the A30 and improve local air quality for villages such as Tedburn St Mary and Ide. I am also pursuing an extension of the Wray Valley Trail from Moretonhampstead to Chagford to promote cycling and walking.

For the latest coronavirus guidance please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Useful links, including business support, can be found at www.melstridemp.com/covid-19.

Other columns by Mel Stride