Ian Swales

My Diary...

December 2011

December always feels like such a busy month, with preparations for the festive season taking over. This year was no exception but it was just as busy with constituency and Parliamentary work.

This year I decided to produce a personalised, locally themed Christmas card, designed by school children in a competition. I received hundreds of fantastic entries from all over the constituency for both the picture and the seasonal verse. It was really difficult to choose from such an enormous selection but with the help of Frankie Wales and Kathy Lloyd, manager of Tees Valley Women's Centre, we came up with a brilliant card. Joseph Kasonali from Ings Farm Primary School drew the winning picture and Isabel Wherritt from Nunthorpe School wrote the chosen verse. The card has been sent to politicians and business leaders both locally and nationally, including to the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Some fantastic local news for residents of Granville Terrace, Redcar, was announced recently. I have been campaigning with them to 'save their sea view'. The Environment Agency, whose proposed 1.3m high sea defences along the road would have taken away most ground floor sea views from the properties, have reviewed their plans and managed to considerably lower the defences, in some places they will now only be 45cm high. This is a great result for all who have worked hard on the campaign and I'm happy to see a successful compromise.

At the beginning of the month we hosted a workshop with the Green Alliance at Redcar and Cleveland College about the Department of Environment and Climate Change's Green Deal, part of the coalition government's plan to reduce carbon emissions and stop climate change. Local interest groups attended and were asked to feedback on the policy and explore how the communities they represent may be able to benefit from it. The event was a great success; it was great to be able to host the event at Redcar and Cleveland College where their eco-house provides evidence of the kinds of improvements the Green Deal may be able to make to the energy efficiency of our homes.

Also this month, communities minister Andrew Stunell visited the constituency to see Sea View Cottage, which had stood empty for over 20 years but has now been turned into a fantastic home by Coast and Country. The minister came to see how Coast and Country are renovating empty homes, and conducted a discussion with people from the Council, Coast and Country and other stakeholders to discuss how the fund works and Government plans for the future.

Finally, I am pleased to hear the news that a large scale biomass project is likely to become a reality at Teesport in Redcar. If it goes ahead it will create over 900 construction jobs for 3 years, 150 highly skilled long term jobs and another 300 indirect jobs in the supply chain. This comes just after £40million of new investment in private enterprise on Teesside was announced in the second round of the Coalition Government's Regional Growth Fund, reaffirming their dedication to employment in the Northeast.

September 2011

Since Parliament reconvened after the summer recess there's been lots happening in my constituency.

At the beginning of the month I attended a breast cancer awareness event - 'Wear it pink'. I found myself wearing a very silly pink waistcoat! But it was well worth the embarrassment for such a good cause; it's one very close to my own heart since my wife was diagnosed with the disease some years ago, so I'm always keen to show support. This month also saw the 71^st anniversary of the Battle of Britain. I was honoured to be invited to lay a wreath in memory of those who fought the campaign - we owe them so much.

It's always heartening to see communities come together to rally support for deserving causes as I did recently at a fundraising event for Survivors of Domestic Abuse (where I won a microwave in the raffle!). And also at an event in the new fire station to raise money for Dormanstown Church - it was good to see the new community rooms being well received and used by different local groups.

It's been great to meet up with young people keeping active and getting involved in sports lately. I went to visit the budding football stars at Marske United Juniors and keen young anglers at the newly stocked Locke Park. It's always a pleasure to see young people who are enthusiastic about their hobbies and taking part in community sports.

The 17^th-21^st of September was the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Birmingham. I was able to meet lots of interesting new people including several representatives from UK charities; I found out about the great work that organisations such as the Royal National Institute of Blind people and MS Society are doing across the country. I also met representatives from businesses and industrial organisations as well as speaking at a number of events myself including chairing debates and fringe events and talking about public finance management.

All the best for now,

Ian

August 2011

It's nice, in the summer months, to get out of the office and into the constituency itself. With that in mind, I'd like to thank the staff of Sunny Days nursery who invited my team and I over to help tidy up their garden. We had a lot of fun and so, I hope, did the children who were far more interested in showing me the insects they collected than in the weeding.

I was pleased to welcome Dr. Vince Cable, the Lib Dem Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, to our area as part of his tour of UK manufacturers this month. Together he and I visited the SABIC site in Redcar where we discussed the Government's plans to reduce carbon emissions, as well as his plans to create a new Chemical Industries Council to help advise the Government on the challenges faced by the industry and find solutions. Since my election I have been working closely alongside the Government and business leaders

Also this month I was pleased to hear the Government's announcement that they are launching a new multi-million pound Coastal Communities Fund to support the UK's coastal towns. Coastal areas are an important source of revenue and this fund is a great way of giving something back to those communities. There are some fantastic projects in Redcar, particularly in the charitable sector, which could benefit greatly from this new fund.

On the subject of the charitable sector, earlier this month I was delighted to organise and host an event, in association with RCVDA, in which local groups could learn whether they were eligible for grants from the Big Lottery Fund and how to bid. Everyone involved found the opportunity to speak with face to face with representatives of the Big Lottery very helpful, and I wish them all the best of luck with their bids.

On a related point congratulations to Lawrence McAnelly at The Junction in Redcar who recently announced that they have bid successfully for £484,000 to allow them to offer one-to-one support for young people in the area with mental and emotional difficulties.

Until next time

Ian

July 2011

As usual I've been busy both in our constituency and in Westminster. Here's a quick update of some of the things I've been doing:

Firstly I'm very pleased to say I was invited to speak at the Tees Valley Youth Achievement Foundation. Awards were presented to the Year 11 students and I must say I felt proud to see such wonderful young people honoured and my congratulations go to everyone.

I went along to Ormesby Primary School's summer fair recently. There were lots of stalls selling delicious looking cakes, biscuit-decorating, and even a mobile farm on a double-decker bus, which is something I won't forget in a hurry. But one thing I would rather forget...as a supporter of Middlesbrough Football Club, when I saw a penalty-shoot-out game I had to give it a try. But let's just say there is a very good reason I went into politics rather than sport!! Nevertheless I had a wonderful time and my thanks go to the staff and students who organised the event and ran the stalls.

I'd also like to extend my thanks to John E. Batty Primary School who invited me to speak to one of their afternoon assemblies and also to Grangetown Primary, who have done fantastic work in converting an area of old, derelict housing into a playing area for their pupils. I was delighted to get the opportunity to draw the PMs attention to this in a recent session of Prime Minister's Questions. Both schools are a credit to our area.

As part of my work on the Public Accounts Committee I visited Govern Shipyard in Glasgow to see the work going on to build the UK's new aircraft carrier, the Queen Elizabeth. While there I was shown the accommodation modules, which house the crew during construction. They were provided by Hertel, an industrial fabrication plant based at the Wilton Site in Redcar. I think it is fantastic that local companies like Hertel can contribute to big Government contracts like this one. It's nice to know that companies from Teesside are spreading out far and wide. Long may it continue.

Last Wednesday evening I attended the Dods Parliamentary Awards Ceremony where I was nominated for the Constituency MP of the Year Award. Although I didn't win, it was a great honour and I appreciate the recognition for the work I have done for Redcar. The evening was a really enjoyable occasion and well done to all other candidates who won and were nominated for awards.

Finally, I'd like to extend my congratulations to Philip and Claire Green, owners of the recently opened Sophellies Eatery in Redcar. As some of you may know, the couple are donating all profits from their jacket potato with chilli-con-carne and kidney beans to Kidney Research UK. I went to the opening and can highly recommend it. Once again, Peter and Claire, congratulations and I hope Sophellies is a great success!

Thanks for reading, all the best,

Ian

June 2011

It's been another busy few weeks in the constituency, so here's a quick update of the work I've been doing for our area recently.

As part of my ongoing campaign to see better use of the facilities at Redcar Hospital I met with Martin Phillips, Director of Commissioning for Redcar Primary Care Trust, to discuss progress in finding a solution.

Another prominent issue in the constituency over the last year has been the future of Eston Park and Gilbrook Schools. On 9^TH June I joined representatives of Redcar and Cleveland Council at a meeting with Lord Hill - Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Schools - to discuss plans for the future of the two sites. Providing the best education for all local pupils was always paramount in this debate and I am pleased to see that progress has been made towards a satisfactory solution and I will be monitoring the ongoing developments with these schools closely.

Given the shortage of jobs in the area and the prominence of heavy industry a lot of my time is spent meeting with representatives of local business and industry. Last week I attended PD Ports annual briefing session to be updated on their work and plans for the future. I also attended an event to welcome SSI's new Managing Director of Redcar steelworks, and will be meeting with him again in the next few weeks to get an update on how the company is settling in to the area. The Duke of York was also in the constituency on the 23^rd June to lend his support to businesses in the area by visiting the Wilton International site.

I attended the RCVDA Awards at Gisborough Hall on the 17^th June where I was proud to be given the opportunity to speak in front of representatives of many local organisations, and commend the hard work and invaluable services they offer our community.

The 13^th-17^th June was National Carer's Week, which aims to draw attention to the invaluable work that carers do in looking after loved ones who are ill, frail or disabled. Thousands of people in this constituency, and millions more across the country, sacrifice not only their time, but also their money and their health in order to care for a loved one.

I was invited to speak on BBC Tees about the MP's Statement of Support for Carers which I signed in recognition of their dedication and the selfless contribution they make to the community and wider society.

You can view the MP's Statement of Support in full at http://carersweek.org/carers/does-your-mp-support-carers

All the best,

Ian

February 2011

It's been a hectic few weeks both in Westminster and back home in my constituency.

In Parliament I was honoured to secure a Westminster Hall debate on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - or ME as it's more generally known. More funding for research into ME is needed so that patients get the treatment that they need. For too long, patients with ME have been misdiagnosed. The debate was secured as a result of an Early Day Motion which I authored on behalf of one of my constituents. The EDM was then signed by 99 other MPs demonstrating the extent of public support for action in this area. I hope that this debate will show the Government how serious ME is, and that they will respond by investing more into research and treatment of the disease. I was overwhelmed by the heartfelt thanks I've received from sufferers and their relatives across the country since the debate.

I've had the pleasure of opening a number of new ventures in the area over the last few weeks, starting with the recently renovated Spencerbeck House and Coatham House's latest social enterprise which will bring redundant local property back into use. Coatham House is a great example of a win-win for our vulnerable homeless young people in the area and the community at large. I was delighted to also be able to support fundraising for the organisation by joining the judging panel at the Redcar and Cleveland's Got Talent contest, although with so many talented young people around judging was very difficult. Everyone should look out for winner Zoe West in the future. Remember the name!

In the last week I have also met with Cleveland Police and discussed how budgetary constraints are affecting them and their efforts to protect frontline services. I am confident that they have all the right plans in place. I also met with the representative for the new GP consortia in the area, they have some exciting ideas and I look forward to many more discussions in the future as we see these ideas become reality.

Just last Monday I visited Ensus management and was able to see the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO) being installed. These will put an end to the smell we have all been experiencing recently. The plant will close for a few weeks in April and when it reopens the RTOs will be installed and doing their job.

I also visited New Marske Primary School last week and endured some tough questioning at the hands of the children from New Marske Primary. Jeremy Paxman should worry about his job! I saw a lot of new talent emerging. I was questioned on everything from the situation in Egypt through to local issues that impact on their school.

In amongst all this I have held regular surgeries and met many more people at these. It is great to see that people are coming to see me and I hope that people keep coming. It is seeing and hearing from all you that drives my work in Parliament.

Ian

January 2011

Happy New Year. It has been very busy so far this year and I can't believe that it is the middle of the month already. I have been back in Parliament for a week now and time just flys down here.

I hope you all had a nice break, I had some time catching up with my family over Christmas and New Year and recharged my batteries ready for a very busy 6 months in the run up to the local elections.

On that note, I have been working extremely hard for this area. I have had several meetings with ministers since we came back after recess, talking about green industry, SSI and Corus as well as working with the Fire Authority and the Fire Minister on several matters.

This week I am going to visit the offices of HMRC when I am back in the Constituency to speak to people who are currently working there, as well as visiting a local nursery and talking to a local housing association.

This Saturday I am holding my regular consitituency surgeries in Marske Library at 09.30 - 10.30 and the Normanby Methodist Church from 11.15 - 12.00. I look forward to seeing you all there.