Monthly Archives: August 2015

RORY WELCOMES GLENRIDDING DECISION

Following his direct intervention earlier this year, Rory Stewart has welcomed the decision to award the contract for health care services in Glenridding to The Lakes Medical Practice.

The long term future of Glenridding Health Centre came under threat earlier this year, following national changes to the funding system. As a result of these changes, it was announced that the current provider would cease operations in October 2015 and NHS England, who oversee the provision of local GP services, commenced a successful procurement exercise to secure a new provider.

From 7th October 2015, The Lakes Medical Practice will start providing services from Glenridding Health Centre, and will offer increased telephone access, along with a range of GPs and nursing staff offering a wide variety of services. Patients will be able to access services at either the Glenridding or Penrith practices, and patients already registered at Glenridding Health Centre will not need to re-register.

Rory, who objected strongly to any closure of the service, said “I have long campaigned for the protection of our local services in what is the most rural and sparsely populated district in England, as the importance of GP surgeries to rural communities – where there is often a high number of elderly residents in need of healthcare – cannot be understated. This is even more pronounced in Glenridding, which is perhaps the most remote parish in this district, and I am delighted with this positive outcome”.

FORTHCOMING DROP-IN SURGERIES

 

***CANCELLED DUE TO FAMILY BEREAVEMENT***

Please note that local MP for Penrith and the Border Rory Stewart will​ ​be holding open surgeries at the following locations on ​Tuesday 1​8​th ​August 2015:

​1400-1500 – Alston Local Links (Market Hall)​
1​800-1900​ – Threlkeld Village Hall

No appointment is necessary, and all constituents are welcome. More​ ​information can be found at www.rorystewart.co.uk/surgeries

For more information please call 01768 484 114.

£500k FLOODING SUPPORT FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Six rural areas are to receive a share of a half-a-million pound fund making it easier for them to apply for flood protection, Floods Minister Rory Stewart announced today.

The ‘Pathfinder Projects’ pilot schemes will look at cutting red tape and costs for small communities at risk of flooding across the country.

Each pilot will support local authorities in developing innovative ways to apply for funding, combining smaller projects into larger and more effective flood risk management packages for each area.

Floods Minister Rory Stewart said:

“We are investing in flood protection across the country at record levels, with an unprecedented six-year commitment of £2.3 billion to better protect an additional 300,000 homes by 2021.

“These pilots will make it easier for local authorities to apply for flood protection funding so they can better protect people’s homes and businesses. Our rural and small communities will also have the opportunity to play a key role in developing these schemes.”

The local authorities receiving funding to investigate and assess options are:

· Northamptonshire County Council – addressing flood risks in parts of Daventry, Helmdon, Grimscote, Cogenhoe, Quinton, Grendon and Grafton Underwood.

· Buckinghamshire County Council – addressing surface and ground water risks in four locations in Buckinghamshire and will support projects in Bishopstone, Saunderton/Bradenham, Hughenden Valley and Monks Risborough.

· Kirklees County Council – addressing a range of surface water risks for communities within Honley, Moldgreen, Huddersdfield and Kirkburton.

· Warwickshire County Council – developing and assessing a package of flood risk management measures for groups of properties in small communities in Warwickshire.

· Hampshire County Council – addressing a combination of ground, surface and river flood risks in the county. The project will explore possible solutions for communities near Andover, in Vernhan Dean, Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Stoke and St Mary Bourne.

· Lancashire County Council – addressing largely surface water and ordinary water course flood risks The communities being considered are within Whitworth, Stackstead, Strongstry, Rawtenstall and Cloughfold (all in Rossendale) and Ewood Bridge.

YOUNG PEOPLE GIVEN A VOICE IN FUTURE OF NATIONAL PARK

Young people are to take their place at the heart of decision-making for Northumberland National Park with the creation of the country’s first National Park Youth Cabinet, Environment Minister Rory Stewart announced today.

The new cabinet will give local people aged 16-25 an active role in governing their National Park and encouraging others to help look after it – today and for the future.

National Parks are a corner stone of rural economies generating around £11 billion each year.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

“With more than 90 million annual visitors to our National Parks they are an essential, and very valuable, part of rural life, bringing jobs and investment.

“It’s absolutely right young people – the future custodians of our natural world – have a say in how they are run.

“Important projects like this make that happen, giving teenagers and young adults first hand understanding of their true value – not just in monetary terms – but as part of our precious natural heritage.”

Glen Sanderson, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said:

“We are very pleased to welcome the Minister to Northumberland National Park today where he has met some of the young people involved in our brand new Youth Cabinet, and taken part in some of our exciting and popular National Parks Week activities.

“We have enjoyed working with young people for a long time – through apprenticeships, training schemes, and our wide range of activities – and we genuinely value the creativity and inspiration that young people bring.

“Our Youth Cabinet puts young people at the heart of what we do at the National Park as they are an integral part of the decision making process, and we listen and learn much from their views. National Parks are amongst Britain’s most valued treasures, and we are ensuring that we do all we can to encourage young people to learn about, explore, and care for our National Parks so that future generations can continue to enjoy these national assets for years to come.”

Ian Riddle, age 25, from Bellingham, Northumberland, joined the Youth Cabinet to encourage other young people to get involved in the National Park, he said:

“Northumberland National Park has always been very special to me. My family have farmed in the National Park for four generations and I am passionate about the outdoors, the environment and conservation.

“Through involvement with the National Park, I have attended exchange visits to see how other countries address issues for young people in rural areas. I’m therefore really pleased to be involved in the Youth Cabinet and happy to be here today as it is officially launched by the Minister.

“I think it’s really important for young people to have their say and have the opportunity to get involved with the Park. The Cabinet offers young people from all backgrounds and walks of life the chance to have our voices heard and influence how the National Park is run.”

Marking National Parks Week, the Minister is also launching the #PhotointhePark social media campaign today, encouraging young people and families to post pictures of their favourite national park moments on social media over the summer holidays.

The Minister’s visit to the Park takes place during National Parks Week. The week-long initiative is an annual celebration of National Parks across the UK started on 27 July and will run until 2 August.

As part of the visit, the Minister will also meet with young people from the Youth Mosaic Project who act as ‘champions’ for the Park as well as volunteers who are contributing to the upkeep of National Trails.

This project is aimed at young people (16 to 25 years) from surrounding urban areas – including Newcastle, East Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Carlisle – to teach them about our natural environment, while improving both their health and job prospects.