Happy New Year

David Williams, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Crewe and Nantwich said, “I would like to give my best wishes to you for the new year.”

“2009 was challenging for many people, but evidence suggests that the Government's positive action to help people through these difficult times has made a real difference. That is why I backed the exceptional measures taken by Gordon Brown. With unemployment and home repossessions fewer than in previous recessions, it appears that the mistakes of the 1980s and early 1990s have not be repeated. That does not mean we should be complacent. The recovery is very fragile and we must continue throughout 2010 to help people back to work and invest in jobs. Now is not the time to abandon people, putting jobs and homes at risk.

"There is a real challenge for local politicians to work together for the future prosperity of Crewe and Nantwich. We need to get the Crewe Gateway Scheme up and running, with a station developed on it's existing site and a link road to the Basford development sites that could bring more than 7,000 jobs to the area. We need a town centre redevelopment and a new bus station to enable us to compete with neighbouring shopping destinations. And we need investment in training opportunities for young people so that they can have a good start to their working lives.

"Of course this year there will be a general election and people will have their say on a range of issues. Confidence in MPs is low and voters will be looking for an open and honest debate, which is the only way we can rebuild confidence in Parliamentary democracy.

"All the best for 2010."