It has been a busy month both in the constituency and in Westminster, Julian has been in contact with various businesses, campaign groups and constituents from across Skipton, Ripon and beyond.
This month saw the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Julian was privileged to hear President Zelenskyy speak when he came to visit the House of Commons. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Ukrainian people as they continue their fight to live in peace and security.
In the constituency, Julian was pleased to be able to set up a meeting on safer streets in Skipton which was held this month after pupils from The Skipton Academy came to visit him for a Q&A in Parliament. Julian thanked Chloe Thwaites, Youth Voice and Creative Engagement Officer from NYCC for leading a discussion about safer streets in Skipton, along with Zoe Metcalfe, North Yorkshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and North Yorkshire Police, as well as pupils from The Skipton Academy.
Discussions were led between the pupils about the issues they and their peers face on the streets of Skipton, as well as, mind mapping solutions to the problems most commonly faced. Julian urges young people between the ages of 11-18, who want to make a positive change to their local area to join The Skipton Youth Council. As well as encouraging schools and pupils to meet with NYCC to discuss issues surrounding street safety further. As part of this, Skipton Youth Council have created a survey so more can have their say on the Youth Opportunities in the local areas, this can be accessed here https://bit.ly/3XTplwF.
Julian said, ‘It is great to see more young people getting involved in the dialogue surrounding street safety, with huge thanks to Chloe Thwaites from NYCC for leading the discussion, along with the Police and Commissioner, as well as pupils from The Skipton Academy. I hope many more schools and students can get involved in this very important issue.’
Julian was pleased to see that the Roads Minister Richard Holden met with representatives from North Yorkshire County Council and Transport for the North in Yorkshire to discuss the realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill. For a number of years Julian has worked with North Yorkshire County Council and has campaigned for the realignment of the landslip prone A59 at Kex Gill.
Julian is delighted that the A59 Kex Gill project has been awarded full and final approval. This will mean that those travelling on the A59 at Kex Gill will have increased safety, faster commutes and better connectivity, especially improving the road links between Skipton and Harrogate. The project is receiving £56 million in government investment, with North Yorkshire County Council contributing the remaining £12 million and has been reported as being one of the most ambitious highways projects ever. The work on the A59 at Kex Gill will soon be underway, with the replacement of the landslip prone route due to be complete by May 2025.
In February, North Yorkshire received an expansion to the original Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot scheme, bringing funding for electric vehicle chargepoints in the area to £3.6 million. The announcement from the government will help move the UK’s transport system toward decarbonisation, as the funding commitment will give local authorities support to install thousands of new chargers across North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. This will enable local authorities to work with private business and chargepoint operators to drive the sustainable growth of local networks, building and delivering the most ambitious chargepoint plans for their area.
Julian said, ‘It is great that after the success of the original Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot, North Yorkshire is receiving further funding, bringing the total for electric vehicle chargepoints to £3.6 million. This is an excellent scheme to help decarbonise our roads in North Yorkshire.’
Separately, Julian was pleased to receive an update from the Minster of State for Defence Procurement on the MOD’s plans for Claro and Deverell Barracks in Ripon. This confirms that the Claro Barracks will remain operational until late 2026. However, as soon as planning permission has been granted, phased works will begin, starting at the Deverell Barracks.
The Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) visited parliament to give an update in the Skipton-to-Colne Rail link project, this is an exciting opportunity to create new jobs and expanding businesses, driving economic growth in the area. Julian is keen to monitor the progress on this project closely.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency and via the telephone this month. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
