1) BETTER EDUCATION FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
Our primary schools are some of the best in the country, but we need to ensure that this standard of education is maintained at all levels across Redcar and Cleveland. I will work with Government and local education providers and host regular discussion groups with teachers and parents, to ensure that all our young people get the best start in life.
Additionally, I will be working closely with the local college to help provide a wider range of qualification opportunities for students. As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how important earn and learn apprenticeships are in helping young people secure decent jobs. I will run an annual apprenticeship fair, to help transition our school and college leavers into the workplace.
2) CUTTING CRIME FOR SAFER STREETS
When I was elected, I pledged to increase the number of police officers we have and whilst we in Cleveland have successfully recruited 185 more officers since 2019, I also want to push for a return to common sense policing. This includes an increased focus on neighbourhood policing in all areas of our constituency. That’s why I will be hosting regular community crime meetings, so that residents can address their concerns directly to myself and the local police.
I’m also working with our communities to bring an end to road crime. Whether it’s speeding or dangerous driving, I’m lobbying the council to implement traffic calming measures so that our roads are safer for everyone.
3) BACKING LOCAL JOBS AND TEESSIDE’S INDUSTRY
Having worked on the Wilton site as a Process Operator, I know how important industry is to our area and the thousands of jobs that rely on it. For decades, politicians have failed to protect the jobs our area relies on, with many being sent overseas. That’s why I am working on projects, such as the new Teesworks site, to re-shore some of these roles.
I want to see our industry begin to grow again, which is why I have made the case in Parliament for a Freeport. A Freeport will mean we can import, and export goods made on Teesside without paying tariffs, boosting the local economy and creating new jobs for local residents. The River Tees and our port is one of our best assets and I’m working hard to make it even more successful.
4) INVESTING IN OUR HIGH STREET
Our High Streets are the centres of our communities, whether that’s Marske, Redcar or Eston Square. I’m working with businesses and Redcar and Cleveland Council to breathe new life into our High Streets and turn them round for the better. We must tackle redundant buildings to bring new businesses here. I will be pushing for the renovation of Redcar Train Station and the replacement of the old precinct building in Eston Square to make our high streets places that we can all enjoy.
As we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m championing our local, small businesses. By making sure all businesses have the support they need and promoting our independent retailers, I’ll be working hard to ensure our fantastic businesses are thriving once again.
5) GREEN JOBS OF THE FUTURE
I’m pushing for Teesside to benefit from greater investment in the green technology of the future, like Hydrogen, Wind Power and Carbon Capture and Storage. I will be campaigning for a new green power plant in Teesside and for us to become an area of wind power expertise. In Parliament, I chair the All-Party Group on Hydrogen, which explores the benefits of investing in a Hydrogen powered economy and I am working closely with the Tees Valley Mayor to help our area lead the way in this sector. That way, we can secure local jobs, create even more and benefit our precious local environment. We’re a coastal town – good air quality for our local shores and marine life is so important. Moving to green industries will help protect our environment and deliver a cleaner, greener future.
6) CAMPAIGNING FOR A NEW POOL IN ESTON AND A PROPER PIER IN REDCAR
I am dedicated to providing a new swimming facility in Eston, for the people of TS6. Unfortunately, the currently closed Baths are in an unacceptable state and demand a hefty price for repairs. Since March 2021, I've said that a long-term solution needs to be found to ensure this provision continues to exist for local residents. As such, I am campaigning for a new Swimming Pool facility here.
Our area is fortunate enough to benefit from stacks of natural beauty, including our hills and beaches. But like many who grew up here, I’ve always thought Redcar deserved its own (horizontal) Pier – after all it used to have two. That’s why I’m campaigning for the investment to establish a new pier in Redcar. We’ll improve the appearance of our seafront, provide a community hub for residents and boost tourism and business investment to our town. A new pier will make our seafront a place we can all enjoy.
