As I write this column, I have just received the news that the Department for Transport is to “un-pause” the Midland Main Line Electrification project. I have long supported this project and the improvements it will bring – this news is fantastic for my constituents and for the East Midlands.
I know many of you have expressed your concern over the pause, announced in June, and you will know that I have repeatedly called on the Government in Parliament to restart the project as soon as possible and ensure that the East Midlands will benefit.
I welcome the announcement and the Government’s commitment to investing in our infrastructure here in the East Midlands, however, I would still like to see the branch line through Alfreton and Langley Mill stations included in the plans and I shall continue to push for this in Parliament.
I want to make sure all parts of the East Midlands will be able to take advantage of the potential investment, improved journey times and local job creation and I’ll continue to raise this matter.
With the submission of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Devolution Deal proposal last month and negotiations taking place, now, more than ever, it is important that the Midlands is equipped to capitalise on this opportunity to its full potential and I welcome the Government’s commitment to investing in the Midlands.
If the Chancellor wants the Midlands to be the country’s engine of growth; I’m glad the Government is committed to ensuring that this engine has the infrastructure and reliable tracks to run on.
Figures released in September show that unemployment in Amber Valley remains low and I am committed to seeing this fall even further, with even more of my constituents finding secure jobs. That’s why I’ll be holding my fourth jobs fair on Friday, October 16, at Ripley Leisure Centre from 10am to 4pm.
Many local employers are already signed up to attend the jobs fair, including the Manthorpe Group, Owen Taylor & Son, BPI Recycled Products, Birchwood Homecaring Services, Rock Fall UK, HL Plastics, McDonald’s, David Nieper, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Derby County Football Club, GI Group, Ikea, Deb and many more. They will be attending alongside education, training and apprenticeships providers such as the National Citizen Service, Being Your Own Boss, Babcock International and QA Associates.
As always, the fair is free of charge to attend for both constituents and businesses. So, if you know somebody looking for a job – part time or full time – please pass these details on to them. Likewise, if you know a local business looking for new employees, tell them to get in touch for more information about how they can attend.
You can find more information on the following website: www.ambervalleyjobsfair.co.uk or by contacting my office on 01773 744341.