I would like to start this week’s column by thanking everyone who sent me Christmas and New Year messages and thanks. It was truly humbling and it reminded me that I am honoured to be serving such a warm and friendly community.
I was lucky enough to be able to use the holidays to rest and recharge with my family. I also used the break to reflect on my ambitions for our community and to make a New Year’s resolution to address the issues that matter most to the people of this constituency.
Of course, we face a range of pressing national issues that require immediate attention, from rising living costs to the ongoing pressures on our public services. I don’t need to tell you that there are no quick or easy solutions, but I do want to reassure you that I will working hard at the heart of the new government to tackle the most urgent of these challenges head-on.
But, what does this mean for the people of the Aldershot and Farnborough area? What are the top three achievements I will be aiming for by the end of this year?
From my post bag and from my regular contact with constituents, it’s clear that the top local concern is health. The NHS itself needs treatment.
The good news is that the government has committed to rebuilding Frimley Park Hospital and by the end of this year we should have a detailed plan and a proper timeline for reconstruction. By then, recruitment and training for more doctors, dentists, nurses and care workers will also be underway and waiting lists will be reduced.
I’ve also resolved on a plan to boost investment in education and opportunities for our young people. I intend to focus on the funding shortfalls in our schools which have held back results locally. There’s work to be done on special needs education too. And, I want to see a wider range of activities for young people, so I am particularly keen to work with Rushmoor Council to set a date for building a new Farnborough Leisure Centre.
My third priority is to revive our town centres. In the short term, it’ll be vital to address anti-social behaviour and street homelessness. And, I want to work with the public and private sector organisations and with local people to generate a long-term strategy for growing the local economy sustainably, and for jobs and affordable new homes.
No doubt there will be challenges but I am excited to roll up my sleeves and continue fighting for this community, ensuring that your voices are heard and acted upon.
I hope you will work with me in making 2025 a year of progress, unity, and opportunity for all.
Alex Baker MP
