As we come towards the end of 2023, I wanted to look back on the year and let you know about some of the work I have been doing for you as your local Member of Parliament.
When reflecting on the year so far, it seems apt to first highlight the event of the year – the wonderful coronation of Charles III and Camilla as our new King and Queen in early May. As the first coronation this country has seen for seventy years, it was always bound to be a special occasion, but I was moved by the many displays of national unity and celebration I witnessed over the Bank Holiday weekend.
For all its memorable moments, the year has also had its challenges, many of which have been caused by high prices and bills. Although inflation has been driven down from 11.1% to 6.7% in recent months, I know that the cost of living remains a real concern, and I am committed to helping my constituents across South East Cambridgeshire get the support and advice they need.
I also know how important quality healthcare is to my constituents, and since I was elected, I have joined local health leaders and NHS trusts in calling for better health facilities in and around Ely. I was therefore delighted that the government invested millions of pounds earlier this year in a new Community Diagnostic Centre at the Princess of Wales Hospital which will deliver medical checks, scans, and tests – cutting NHS waiting times. I was also pleased to visit the newly refurbished St Mary’s Surgery in Ely, which opened in July and now has 50% more capacity.
Moreover, in March, I worked with Steve Barclay MP and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board to save Priors Field Surgery in Sutton after the provider decided to take retirement from the practice at short notice. This averted the relocation of 6000 people to other surgeries around Ely.
It is clear from my conversations with local residents in September at the A10/A142 BP roundabout that people remain anxious about safety at the junction. I have supported the case for a safe crossing at the junction for several years and have pressed the current Combined Authority to progress with this project. To avoid further delays, I have launched a petition which builds on the work of nearby Witchford Parish Council, and Ely resident, Sally Boor. My hope is that it gives this project the traction it needs to get over the line. If you are interested, please sign it here: https://www.lucyfrazer.org.uk/campaigns/installing-safe-crossing-a10a142-ely-junction-1
As MP for a largely rural constituency, I also appreciate the need for effective bus services. Following my efforts at the end of last year to prevent Stagecoach from axing or significantly altering 23 local bus routes, I was pleased to assist the Combined Authority with the retendering of bus services for at least another 12 months from April 2023. Recently, I have written to the Mayor to call him to identify how he intends to utilise the new £2.3 million government funding for Cambridgeshire’s bus network.
I have also been reporting potholes on behalf of my constituents and following up with the County Council if any issues remain outstanding. This year, I have reported them in 36 different locations, including on the A142 Witchford Bypass towards Sutton in late February, which I am pleased was addressed within weeks.
I wish you all the best for the rest of the year and look forward to seeing many at St Peter’s Church on Friday 10th November at 3:00pm-4:30pm, to discuss other important local issues together.
Lucy Frazer KC MP
Member of Parliament for South East Cambridgeshire
