The new year started with energy and purpose — and January has been packed with work across planning, health, community wellbeing and championing local facilities. Here’s a quick look at what I’ve been up to this month on your behalf:

🏥 Health, Care & Wellbeing

• I attended the Health, Care & Wellbeing Overview & Scrutiny Committee, keeping up pressure on the NHS and ICB to improve access to vital local services — especially around dentistry and rural health provision.

• Took part in a Local Plan discussion on future health provision to ensure new developments are matched with proper GP and care infrastructure.

• Joined the Children & Young People OSC, where I raised the need for joined-up thinking between schools, health and social care.

🗺️ Planning & Development

• Took part in key Planning Training focused on the Local Plan — ensuring that as your councillor I can challenge and shape decisions with confidence.

• Spoke at a Planning Committee meeting, asking what community benefits Preston residents would see from the proposed solar farm. Our villages deserve a fair return when large-scale infrastructure arrives on our doorstep.

• Attended the West Newton Consultation event in Sproatley (2–4pm), speaking with residents and taking forward concerns on traffic, emissions and site transparency.

💷 Budgeting & Oversight

• Participated in the All Members Finance Briefing to understand the council’s 2025–26 budget pressures and help protect key services.

• Sat on the Treasury Management meeting — vital in ensuring taxpayer money is handled responsibly, especially with rising costs and competing demands.

🚒 Fire & Rescue

• Took part in the Humberside Fire & Rescue Authority meeting — these dedicated teams keep us safe, and I’m pushing for fair rural response coverage and more prevention support.

🏛 Parish & Local Representation

• Attended the Bilton Parish Council meeting, helping bridge the gap between parish and county-level work.

• Met residents and raised local issues — from verges to community safety — directly with officers and partners.

💪Championing South Holderness - South Holderness Leisure Centre Transformed!

I was delighted to join Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart and South West Holderness ward councillor Sue Steel on a visit to South Holderness Leisure Centre, where we saw first-hand the fantastic refurbishment work I’ve been championing.

Centre Manager Stuart Armstrong walked us through the impressive £150,000 transformation — from the fresh, modern reception to a fully upgraded fitness suite packed with new, state-of-the-art equipment. As a member myself, I’ve experienced the difference: improved air conditioning, extended weight options for serious training, and a far more welcoming space overall.

The centre has also extended its opening hours to 9pm, making it easier for residents to fit fitness around busy lives — and with memberships starting from just £14 per month, usage has soared from 140 members to over 600.

This is exactly the kind of community investment we need — and it's not stopping here. Plans are already underway for new dry-side changing facilities, and I’ll continue pushing for further upgrades to ensure Mid Holderness gets the quality leisure provision it deserves.