Happy New Year 2009
1st January 2009
New Year message from Anne Main.
Anne said:
"Over the past year I have met so many kind, dedicated people of all ages, who work tirelessly to serve St Albans, supporting charities, fighting for its heritage, challenging inappropriate planning and holding a beacon of hope for its future.
As we enter a new year it is time to look forward, but in these difficult economic times I know many of my constituents may be worried about what 2009 may bring. Independent assessors have said that St Albans will be hit particularly hard by a downturn. Locally we have high levels of fuel poverty and credit card debt, and prudent savers and those on fixed incomes are seeing their income shrinking. It is vital to keep our Council taxes low and maintain a good level of local services, which is why I have challenged the Government to review the funding formula directed towards Hertfordshire so that we get a better settlement and less needs to be found by local taxpayers.
In October, we celebrated the defeat of the rail freight proposal, on a 419 hectare site in our green belt at Park Street. Disappointingly, the developer announced its intention to resubmit, so the fight still goes on, and I shall continue to work with STRIFE and local residents to oppose these plans. The green belt has played a crucial role in defending us against the rail freight proposal. Despite the Government's aim to revise green belt boundaries, I shall continue to uphold the integrity of this valuable green space.
On a positive note, our health trusts, after years of languishing at the bottom of league tables, have started to show improvements. My constituents value their local health services and appreciate the work of the staff on the ground. I shall continue to meet with Health Service chiefs to ensure that things move in a positive direction.
My constituents give a great deal back to St Albans, and one of the really great things about our city is the huge numbers of people who offer up their time for free to help out in our many volunteer organisations. I was privileged to meet many of these community-minded stalwarts at my annual Christmas volunteer thank you party at the House of Commons and it was great to be able to thank them for all their hard work.
2009 is undoubtedly going to be a tough year for our city and those who live here, and I will continue to work hard for St Albans. I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and Happy New Year.""
