Salisbury's MP shares message for the New Year
John Glen says he 'looks forward' to improvement works being completed
Salisbury's MP has been sharing his message to constituents for 2024, saying the last year has been full of 'intense challenges'.
But John Glen says he's 'looking forward' to things like improvement works in the city centre being completed and supporting local businesses.
He's highlighted the cost of living crisis as being a particular struggle for many, but used his latest blog to say there are positive signs:
"I think most people would agree that 2023 has been a year of intense challenges. High inflation doesn’t just hit household budgets, it puts pressure on businesses, and it eats into the spending power of government and local councils too.
"That is why it was so welcome to hear last week that UK inflation has dipped to 3.9%, its lowest level since 2021.
"The news gives me hope that the independent Bank of England will be emboldened to accelerate cutting interest rates, reducing the cost of mortgages and easing the pressure on millions of households."
Mr Glen's also said it's 'good to see Salisbury looking busy and lots of our independent shops reporting brisk trade' in the run-up to Christmas this year.
There's also optimism from Salisbury's MP about the various works taking place around the city centre:
"It has been a year of transition locally, and I know some people’s patience has been tested by the roadworks on Fisherton Street and the contraflow in the central car park necessitated by the river works.
"I look forward to the completion of both projects in the New Year.
"I hope we will see Fisherton Street and the station area get a big boost from the long-awaited investment.
"So far, what has been happening along the River Avon in the city centre is essential Environment Agency work to protect around a thousand properties from flooding.
"But I can’t wait to see the area reinstated – not with the concrete and tarmac that used to be there - but with a new park incorporating footpath and cycle trails, wildlife corridors and enhanced planting."
And in what's due to be a General Election year in 2024, he says the job is something he relishes:
"The task of representing constituents’ wishes in Parliament is seldom clear cut. A snapshot of my inbox on any given day will reveal people equally angry – or passionate – or upset – over completely contradictory points of view.
"All I can do is work as hard as I can with South Wiltshire’s best interests at heart, to listen well, and to do my best to be worthy of the trust people have placed in me. Roll on 2024!"