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org> News Bulletin from Aidan Burley MP #66

4 July 2013 12:09

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In this edition:
Aidan Burley MPs Diary Safer route for Cannock Chase cyclists Charity of the week: Evies Butterfly Nominations now open for 2013 Cannock Chase Business Awards Aidan in the media: Aidan discusses Cannock Hospital on BBC Radio WM Council Watch: Burley calls for end to confused hospital responses Aidan urges holidaymakers not to travel uninsured Moving Britain from rescue to recovery Photo news: Gorsemoor Primary School visit Aidan welcomes news bedspaces for armed forces in Staffordshire Aidan in the papers: Cannock Chase cyclists riding high as 1.5m bridge opens How to contact Aidan Burley MP

Issue 66 Thursday 4th July 2013

Since the last edition, Aidan has:

Opened a new bridge for cyclists over the Moors Gorse level crossing. Opened nominations for the 2013 Cannock Chase Business Awards. Visited Gorsemoor Primary School to meet with pupils who recently visited the House of Commons, to talk to them about the visit and answer their questions about being an MP. Been interviewed by BBC Radio WM regarding the future of Cannock Hospital. Visited ATP, a successful local remanufacturing firm to congratulate them on winning the ReMaTech Remanufacturer of the Year 2013 Award. This global award was given to ATP for their excellent record in respect of innovation, product quality and contribution to the reputation of the automotive and heavy duty remanufacturing industries. Aidan presented the award at a visit to the Cannock Wood factory a week after Alan Smart, founder and owner of ATP, received it at a global conference in Amsterdam. Welcomed a group of Etching Hill and Western Springs residents to Westminster for a tour of the Houses of Parliament. Sat on a House of Commons Delegated Committee. Attended a private meeting with parents and teachers from Norton Canes Primary School. Questioned the Home Secretary on the effectiveness of the visa system in helping to increase tourism and business from China, India and other priority markets. You can see all of Aidans Parliamentary Questions here.

Safer route for Cannock Chase cyclists

Click on the image above to watch coverage of the opening of the new bridge by Central News. Mountain bikers using the trails through Cannock Chase can look forward to safer journeys with the opening of a new bridge over the railway line that runs through the forest. Network Rail has constructed a new bridge which will allow the old "user worked" level crossing at Moors Gorse to be permanently closed, meaning cyclists and other forest users no longer have to negotiate two sets of gates to cross the busy Cannock railway line, where trains travel through at up to 50mph. Aidan officially opened the new bridge on Monday 24th June 2013. Aidan said: "I was delighted to officially open this new crossing which I know will be welcomed by cyclists and other forest users. The old 'user worked' level crossing was no longer fit for purpose and I am pleased that Network Rail recognised this and now installed a new bridge to ensure that members of the public now using the crossing will be able to do so safely thus reducing the risk of accidents." Paul Sumner, project sponsor for Network Rail, explained: "In 2010, we became aware of a change of use at Moors Gorse as new mountain bike trails opened up in the forest with up to 3,000 cyclists using the crossing on certain weekends. This increase in also meant a big rise in the level of risk associated with the crossing, so we're delighted to open this new bridge and close the crossing for good. The surest way to remove risk at a level crossing is to close it and Moors Gorse is one of more than 700 we have successfully closed across Britain in the last three years." Network Rail worked with many stakeholders including British Transport Police, Cannock Chase District Authority, the Forestry Commission and Staffordshire County Council, to firstly ensure the safety of cyclists using the old crossing, then come up with a solution that would allow the level crossing to be closed permanently. The location and design of the new bridge were specifically chosen to be complementary to the unique environment of the Cannock Chase forest. The bridge has been painted and located to minimise visual impact and designed for ease of use for all forest users including mountain bikers, horse riders and walkers.

Aidan and Paul Sumner, Project Sponsor for Network Rail open Moors Gorse bridge.

Charity of the week:

Evies Butterfly

Evie is currently a Year 1 pupil at Heath Hayes Primary School and has cerebral palsy, which means she cannot walk unaided. After a long journey and lots of research, Evie's parents found out about a procedure which can be carried out which could help Evie to walk independently. In 2012 Evie and her family found out that she was a suitable candidate for the surgery. However, in January 2013, the application for funding was rejected by the NHS and in order for Evie to have this surgery the family have to raise the funds for themselves. This has led to the setting up of the Evie's Butterfly Fund in a hope that the family can help not just our Evie but other children like her. For more information on Evie's story, events that are taking place and fund raising activities please see http://evies-butterfly-fund.webeden.co.uk/ http://www.facebook.com/evie.poole.391 https://twitter.com/EvieButterfly

Nominations now open for 2013 Cannock Chase Business Awards

Aidan is urging local people and businesses to get involved in this year's prestigious Cannock Chase Business Awards. The Awards ran for the first time in 2012 and were a great success with over 90 nominations and excellent feedback from businesses and local people. Aidan has again organised this year's event in partnership with The Best of Cannock's Steve Mallows, with an aim to recognise and reward the important work and success of local businesses, big and small, across Cannock Chase. The Awards are open to any company located within the Cannock Chase area including Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley, Norton Canes and everywhere between. There are 11 categories this year which are open to businesses of all types and sizes including an Award to recognise local charities. Categories include Excellence Displayed by a New Business Award, Excellence in Manufacturing Award and Excellent Tradesperson Award. All businesses are invited to enter for one, or more Awards and members of the public can also nominate businesses that they think deserve to be part of the process. These nominated businesses will then be invited to submit an online application at the Business Awards website (www.cannockchasebusinessawards.co.uk) which can completed in just 11 minutes. Winners will once again be decided by a panel comprising of respected community members. Commenting Aidan said: "I am thrilled to announce the launch of this year's Cannock Chase Business Awards which are my attempt to highlight the unsung businesses in Cannock Chase which are the life blood of our economy. "We had fantastic response last year from businesses and local people and I am determined to make this year's awards even better. I would therefore urge all local people and businesses to get involved by nominating a local firm or charity they feel deserves recognition." Steve Mallows from Best of Cannock added: "The Awards were great last year with entries from great local businesses. This year we hope even more businesses will enter and support the project. All businesses that submit an entry will receive a certificate and invitation to the winners reception where they can network with fellow local businesses. For all those businesses wondering if they have a chance in the Awards, I can assure them of only one thing; if they do not take the 11 minutes to enter then they certainly will not win! Log on (www.cannockchasebusinessawards.co.uk) and complete an application today!"

Aidan in the media:

Aidan discusses Cannock Hospital on BBC Radio WM

Click on the image above to listen to Aidans interview on BBC Radio WM.

Burley calls for end to confused hospital responses

Aidan has called on Cannock Chase District Council to stop commenting on potential proposals for Cannock Hospital as it risks jeopardising the rescue bids that are currently being put together. His comments come after Council Leader George Adamson gave his full backing on 15 June for a proposal from The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust only for him today to welcome a separate bid from the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, saying: I have already given Wolverhampton our full support. It keeps Cannock open and in the NHS and will provide services to local people. And the shuttle service will mean easy transport in between the two hospitals its the best option available. Yet last week Cannock Chase Council leader George Adamson said he welcomed both bids: We support both, what we want is for Cannock Chase Hospital to stay open and as part of the NHS. Mr Burley said: "George Adamson and the council is clearly in a state of total confusion and seems to be giving its full backing to every proposal in turn, and some proposals that don't even exist. "In the interests of local people and Cannock Hospital I must ask them not to provide a running commentary on each proposal until we see what the TSA report contains. Until we know the full details no one can say which option is best for the people of Cannock Chase. He added: "I have known about these various opportunities for some time but realised that discretion is vital if we are to have a successful outcome for Cannock Hospital. I hope the council will now make it clear that they will support the best proposal for local residents, not the first thing they hear on the grapevine."

Aidan urges holidaymakers not to travel uninsured

Aidan has today warned constituents about the dangers of travelling uninsured. In support of a campaign by ABTA The Travel Association and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Aidan is urging holidaymakers in Cannock Chase to "pack your policy" ahead of the great summer getaway. According to new research by ABTA the Travel Association, many UK holidaymakers are unaware of the costs of medical treatment abroad and may be putting themselves at risk of sky high medical bills if something goes wrong. Over 1 in 10 (11%) of people in Cannock Chase now travel abroad without insurance, despite the need for medical assistance being relatively common. According to ABTA research 14% of people from Cannock Chase have visited a doctor or hospital while abroad. Most at risk are younger travellers as almost half (48%) will have a holiday abroad without taking out travel insurance. Recently released FCO research has found that 4 out of 5 (82%) young people admit to taking part in more adventurous behaviour on holiday yet fewer than half (45%) check that their insurance covers risky pursuits. Commenting Aidan said: "It is very important to make sure that when you do travel overseas, you are covered if something goes wrong. Many countries do not have national schemes to cover the cost of healthcare and treatment abroad can therefore be very costly. It is just not worth taking the risk. That is why I am very happy to support this campaign. I urge all of my constituents to make sure you "pack your policy" this summer." ABTA has launched a new advice section on travel insurance for consumers. Visit www.abta.com/travelinsurance for full details.

Moving Britain from rescue to recovery

The Chancellor has today delivered the Spending Round for 2015/16. When this Government came into power it had to address one of the biggest economic crises since the Second World War. While it is never straightforward, Britain is moving out of intensive care from rescue to recovery. This Spending Round sets out how the country will secure that recovery. It shows how the Government will continue to cut the deficit. It prioritises investment in infrastructure to equip Britain to compete in the global race, and it ensures fairness for people who work hard and want to get on by further reforming welfare and capping welfare spending. Commenting Aidan Burley MP said: "Britain is moving from rescue to recovery, and today's Spending Round sets out the latest action to secure that recovery. "Conservatives will continue to cut the deficit and prioritise spending on things like roads and rail to deliver a stronger economy and to equip Britain to win in the global race. "By protecting spending on schools and health, capping welfare and cutting waste in Whitehall it delivers for the hardworking people of Cannock Chase."

Photo news:

Gorsemoor Primary School visit

Aidan with pupils from Gorsemoor Primary School during his recent visit.

Aidan welcomes news bedspaces for armed forces in Staffordshire

Aidan has welcomed plans from the Ministry of Defence to provide some 360 new service family accommodation properties and 651 single living accommodation bedspaces in Staffordshire by the summer of 2015. The figures were obtained by Aidan through a recent written Parliamentary Question. In the 2012 Budget, the Chancellor announced 100 million of additional investment in Service accommodation, which will deliver more than one thousand new and refurbished single living and service family units after 2013. Commenting Aidan said: As a nation we have a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families for the service they have rendered us. Part of this obligation is to provide suitable accommodation to Service personnel and their families. I am pleased that despite the tough economic conditions the Government is fulfilling this obligation and providing new bedspaces here in Staffordshire to ensure our Service Personal are properly supported.

Aidan in the papers:

Cannock Chase cyclists riding high as 1.5m bridge opens

Express & Star Wednesday 26th June 2013 A new 1.5 million pound bridge has been opened on Cannock Chase to prevent cyclists from having to cross railway lines. The structure was built following a series of near misses by bikers and pedestrians using the Moors Gorse public bridleway crossing, according to Network Rail. Opening the new bridge has also allowed the firm to permanently close the old level crossing, which previously forced cyclists and pedestrians to negotiate two sets of gates to cross the busy Cannock railway line where trains travel through at up to 50mph. The crossing was being used by up to 3,000 cyclists each weekend. Paul Sumner, project sponsor for Network Rail, said: In 2010, we became aware of a change of use at Moors Gorse as new mountain bike trails opened up in the forest with up to 3,000 cyclists using the crossing on certain weekends. This increase in also meant a big rise in the level of risk associated with the crossing, so were delighted to open this new bridge and close the crossing for good. The surest way to remove risk at a level crossing is to close it and Moors Gorse is one of more than 700 we have successfully closed across Britain in the last three years. Network Rail says the scheme was further supported by an increase in misuse of the crossing and a number of near misses. Since the summer of 2010 there were 10 officially reported near miss incidents at Moors Gorse involving 37 people, says the firm, ranging from a near miss reported with two joggers to a single incident reported in October 2011 with approximately 20 cyclists. The bridge was officially opened by Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley.

5 ways to contact Aidan Burley MP:

By Phone: 01543 502 447 By email: aidan.burley.mp@parliament.uk By post: Aidan Burley MP 6 High Green Court, Newhall Street Cannock, WS11 1GR In person: Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Aidan Burley MPs regular help and advice surgeries.

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