Firstly, let me wish a Happy New Year to all Sevenoaks Chronicle readers! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family.
I always find the start of the new year a great moment for reflection. And, while you should have all now received my Reporting Back leaflet, I thought it fitting to use my first column of 2023 to reflect on what we achieved in 2022, as well as look forward to my plans for this year.
2022 will sadly be remembered for the horrifying violence inflicted against innocent people in Ukraine. However, the response from residents across Sevenoaks and Swanley was truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud that the Sevenoaks district has one of the largest number of sponsors and settled Ukrainian families anywhere in Kent, and it was a privilege to be able to help with visas and meet face to face at recent community events.
But, 2022 was also a year of many positives.
On transport, after a long-fought campaign, we finally secured the hourly service Monday-Saturday from Maidstone East to London Charing Cross. The change means those travelling from Otford and Swanley can now access London Bridge, London Waterloo East and London Charing Cross faster and without the need to change. This is a massive result and will have a significant impact on local commuters. We also saw a successful bid from Sevenoaks District Council’s secure a £1 million Government grant for an East/West cycling route through Sevenoaks, and after a stressful summer period for many parents whose children rely on school buses, we successfully defended the routes to ensure students can get to school.
As a strong supporter of our much-loved Green Belt, I supported Sevenoaks District Council in opposing the appeal by a developer to build 800 new homes on the former Broke Hill golf course in Halsted, and by working with the London Borough of Bromley stopped the illegal development at Wheatsheaf Hill, (close to Knockholt Station) where a permanent injunction has now been granted to stop the placement of mobile homes.
I strongly supported the campaign to open an annex site for the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and was delighted to this year formally open the new Sevenoaks campus alongside Cllr Roger Gough. This was a huge milestone and is thanks to the determination of Conservative led Kent County Council, parents, local councillors, and my predecessor Sir Michael Fallon. Following visits, I was also concerned about the condition some of our existing school buildings. However, after two successful campaigns, West Kingsdown Primary School, and Orchards Academy in Swanley are now receiving the funding needed to make the school fit for their pupils.
We continued to deliver justice for victims, and by working with our excellent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott successfully secured additional funding for the Kent Nightingale Court which will now be open until 2023.
And lastly, we all worked together to continue to protect and look after the beautiful area we are lucky to live in. Over the last 12 months I have been involved in many litter picks, including those organised by CleanUp Sevenoaks, planted trees in both Westerham and Bradbourne Lakes, and taken part in one of the regular clean ups organised by the Bradbourne Residents’ Association. We all have a responsibility to protect and look after our community, and it has been a pleasure to join the army of volunteers who make Sevenoaks such a wonderful place to live.
But, we must not rest of our laurels and there is of course more still to be done. Looking ahead to 2023, I am hoping to see progress with:
- Opposing the Labour London Mayor’s unacceptable proposal to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to our border
- Campaigning for the return of banking facilities in Swanley
- Working with ministers to reduce the cost of childcare for families and speaking up on behalf of parents whose children have special educational needs
- Arguing for the Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be considered when setting housing targets
- Work with our excellent Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott to see more police officers on our streets so we can tackle local cases of antisocial behaviour and fly tipping
- Championing improved facilities and medical services at our hospitals and GPs so that more face-to-face appointments are available.
Last, but not least, I would like to say a huge thank you. Thank you for your continued support and for the privilege of being your MP. Over the last twelve months I have received and replied to over 23,000 emails – which range from discussions about policy, to helping you all with local issues. It is an honour to serve as the MP for such a wonderful community, and I wish all readers, whatever their political preference, a Happy and Healthy New Year!
