20 days left to have your say on our train services The Department of Transport has launched a consultation to determine the requirements for the franchise of the West Coast Main Line. These services, from Watford Junction into London and up to the Midlands, and on the Abbey Line, are currently managed by London Midland. The new franchise period will run from 2017.
Back Apprenticeships and Skills Training Small businesses are vital to Watford’s economy and have paved the way to the economic recovery. I have campaigned in Government for more support for local shops. Local shops throughout the Constituency are benefiting from the Government’s policies aimed at helping small shops and charities. All businesses and charities have been entitled to receive a £2,000 National Insurance Allowance that has dramatically reduced the cost of employing people. It has allowed local firms to increase people’s hours or create new jobs.
Invest in Watford General and our GP services In January, Watford General’s new Tudor Ward opened, providing 26 new beds and enabling the hospital to better manage admissions. This latest improvement to our hospital comes hot on the heels of the grant to fund the new Birthing Centre, £7million investment in the new link road, a new elderly care unit, and a groundbreaking Ambulatory Care Unit, which enables patients to be seen more quickly by specialist staff.
Investing in Key Transport Links Transport links are vital to Watford’s future and I have worked hard to lock down investment to keep Watford moving and support the local economy. After decades of delay, the Croxley Rail Link has secured Government funding. The extension of the Met Line to Watford Junction includes two new stations in West Watford. This increase in rail capacity and frequency is set to boost the local economy, but I think it is key that Watford Met is kept open too.
Diabetes Awareness Day - 12th July Richard Harrington, MP for Watford, is working in partnership with The Michael Green Foundation and a group of local pharmacies to raise awareness of diabetes. Drop in to any of these pharmacies on the day – they are offering tests and friendly chats about the risk or management of diabetes. Chemilab Pharmacy 103 North Approach, Watford WD25 0EL Cassiobury Pharmacy 53 Langley Way, Watford WD17 3EA
Not Fare Latest Update: Government Warns London Midland Over Poor Performance Last week I met with Rail Minister Norman Baker to raise concerns about the performance of London Midland and other rail issues, and on the same day I held a public meeting allowing service users to put their concerns and questions direct to the train company. Several different issues were raised in both meetings and some progress was made, here is an overview: