Working with the community
Access to Healthcare
Since losing our GP surgery in 2021, our community has seen an increasing number of houses built, exacerbating the strain on local healthcare services. The influx of new residents has highlighted the urgent need for adequate medical provision to meet the growing demand. It is imperative that future planning consents include provisions for healthcare facilities to ensure all residents have access to necessary services. I have been actively collaborating with our Member of Parliament to lobby the NHS for a new GP surgery. This effort is crucial to address the healthcare needs of our community, particularly for older residents who may struggle with limited mobility and lack of public transport options.
Ensuring healthcare accessibility within close proximity is vital for our community's wellbeing, especially for our aging population. Many older residents face challenges in traveling long distances for medical appointments, making a nearby GP surgery essential. By working closely with our MP and pushing for the NHS to prioritise the establishment of a new GP surgery, we aim to secure a solution that provides convenient and timely healthcare access. This initiative is not only about meeting immediate needs but also about planning responsibly for the future, ensuring that as our community grows, its healthcare infrastructure grows with it.
Flooding & Drainage
I have worked tirelessly to help mitigate flooding across Gipping Valley, addressing key areas prone to water accumulation and infrastructure damage. A significant achievement was securing funding for a project on Gipping Road, which involved a four-week intensive effort to resolve persistent flooding issues. This project saw the raising of pavement kerbs, installation of a large soakaway system, replacement of collapsed pipes, and thorough unblocking of drains. These improvements have significantly reduced the risk of flooding, ensuring safer and more reliable road conditions for residents and commuters alike.
In addition to my efforts on Gipping Road, I have worked closely with residents in Bramford to tackle flooding caused by a blocked culvert running through the village. My initiatives have included instigating a series of investigations and surveys aimed at identifying and rectifying blockages within the culvert. Furthermore, I have launched a project to re-establish the ditch along Bullen Lane, incorporating measures to control the volume of water entering the drainage system. These efforts are crucial in managing water flow and preventing future flooding, thereby protecting homes, properties, and the overall infrastructure of the village.
I recognise there is still much more to do across Gipping Valley to reduce persistant flooding.
Housing Developments
Over the last decade, our community has experienced significant growth with the construction of numerous new houses, leading to a notable increase in population. Despite this rapid expansion, there has been a concerning lack of corresponding development in essential infrastructure. We currently have no GP surgery to cater to the healthcare needs of our residents, and our schools are struggling to cope with the rising number of students. Additionally, the absence of early years provision has placed immense pressure on young families seeking adequate childcare and educational opportunities for their children.
The disparity between housing development and infrastructure provision highlights the critical need for comprehensive planning that addresses the full spectrum of community needs. It is imperative that future planning applications incorporate the establishment of vital infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and early years provision. Ensuring these elements are considered and implemented will not only improve the quality of life for current residents but also create a sustainable foundation for future growth. Without such measures, we risk further straining our existing resources and failing to meet the essential needs of our growing population.
Protecting the Environment
It is imperative that we protect our local environment for future generations, preserving the natural beauty of our picturesque part of Suffolk. The landscapes and ecosystems here are invaluable, not only for their aesthetic and recreational value but also for their biodiversity and ecological importance. However, this commitment to environmental stewardship must be balanced with our need to maintain food security. The unilateral construction of solar farms on good arable land poses a significant threat to our ability to produce food locally, which is essential for both economic stability and sustainability.
Moreover, we must seek better solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme. While renewable energy initiatives are crucial for reducing our carbon footprint, they should not come at the cost of agricultural viability and landscape preservation. It is possible to find a harmonious balance that meets our energy needs while also safeguarding arable land for food production. By exploring alternative locations for solar farms and pylons, or integrating renewable energy technology into less intrusive settings, we can protect our natural heritage and ensure that our agricultural land remains productive for generations to come.