Alan Johnson MP

I would like to wish everyone in Hull West & Hessle a very happy New Year!

Hull achieved many great things last year and I have been lucky enough to see some of them first hand.

Just a few of the highlights have been opening Tilbury and Priory Children’s Centres, receiving a presentation from the Children’s University and seeing the excellent care given at the Dove House Hospice and the Rainbow Centre.

Another highlight has been meeting so many constituents over the year at my surgeries. Please do keep coming to see me or writing to me, as this dialogue is central to my work as your MP.

Turning to some less positive aspects of the year, the Council’s decision to close Rokeby Care Home despite it being an award-winning home cherished by the people who live there was wrong and I continue to support the families campaigning against it. The reversal of the decision to close the Central Fire Station was very welcome.

It was a tough end to the year trying to provide help and solutions to the global economic downturn. I am pleased that we have been able to provide help for pensioners, small businesses, homeowners and families but I know there is more to do.

Atlas Holiday Homes in Wiltshire Street was forced into administration by its bankers and we need to try to ensure that it emerges as a going concern.

We saw the announcement that work will finally begin on the drain in Hessle where Michael Barnett so tragically died in the floods in 2007. I have a series of meetings with the Environment Agency and Hull City Council in order to ensure that Hull is properly protected from future flooding.

After the success of winning compensation for Hull’s trawlermen (which may provide more money following a recent decision by the Ombudsman), I am now seeking to ensure that all these ex-fishermen receive the pension that they paid into and are entitled to.

Together with Diana Johnson MP, I am trying to persuade Hull City Council to provide free swimming for over-60s and under-16s. Eighty five per cent of local authorities have taken advantage of this government funded scheme and Hull residents should not be excluded.

If there is something you think I can help with in your area, please let me know and I will do all I can.

Have a happy New Year!