Page 36 - Demo

36 Phonebox Magazine | March 2025As we near the start of spring, change is in the air. The days are getting longer, early blossoms are appearing, and the trees are turning green. But while the seasons shift, I know that recent international events have made it harder to feel that usual sense of spring optimism.I write these columns a few weeks before they reach you, and in times like these, it%u2019s diffi cult to predict how events will unfold. But one thing remains clear: we must continue to stand with our Ukrainian allies against Russian aggression.I have seen the incredible kindness in our community %u2013 from Olney resident Harvey Welch driving across Europe to deliver aid to those who have opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees. Their generosity refl ects the very best of our area, and it strengthens my resolve to ensure we keep supporting our allies and working towards peace in Europe, no matter how diffi cult the path.Slava Ukraini.A new hospital for Milton KeynesLast month, I was delighted to share the fantastic news that we%u2019ve secured funding for a new Women and Children%u2019s Hospital for Milton Keynes. Despite being promised this project for years, only 4% of the funding had been set aside when I was elected last year, so I have dedicated a lot of my eff orts to ensuring we get the remaining funding in place. Given the success in now securing the funding, I am determined to do everything I can to ensure this hospital becomes operational as soon as possible. This new hospital will be a game-changer for local healthcare, and I won%u2019t stop until it%u2019s up and running, delivering the care our community needs.Nationally, it%u2019s positive to see the Government delivering on its promise of two million extra NHS appointments, seven months ahead of schedule, but I know there%u2019s still a long way to go locally. That%u2019s why I%u2019m meeting with GP surgeries across the constituency, including Cobbs Garden and Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, to understand the challenges they face. Every resident should be able to get a GP appointment when they need one, and I will keep pushing for improvements to primary care services across our area.In April, I will be running the London Marathon for Willen Hospice, a charity that holds a special place in my heart. They were there for my family during some of our most diffi cult times, off ering comfort, dignity, and support when we needed it most. Every step I take in training is driven by the knowledge that the funds raised will help this wonderful charity continue its vital work. Please do consider sponsoring me if you can, using the QR code on this page. Chris Curtis MP for MiltonKeynes NorthFloodingI%u2019m pleased to confirm that additional funding has been secured to support fl ood prevention efforts across the constituency, including %u00a3150,000 for Lavendon%u2019s F l o o d A l l e v i a t i o n Scheme and %u00a320,000 to protect Newport Pagnell from surface water fl ooding.Flooding remains a serious concern for many residents, and I%u2019ve heard fi rsthand the frustration over past inaction. Too many people have seen their homes, businesses, and local infrastructure damaged due to fl ooding. I am determined to ensure this new funding leads to lasting improvements, not just short-term fi xes. In the coming weeks, I will be working on the establishment of a Flood Resilience Forum, helping Lavendon access funding quickly and ensure we develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to keep our communities safe.I remain in regular contact with both Milton Keynes City Council and the Environment Agency to ensure this issue receives the sustained attention it deserves and protects residents across our communities.A509Given how often my team and I are driving through Newport Pagnell, I know just how frustrating the delays on the A509 have been. These roadworks have caused major disruption for local families and businesses. While some disruption is unavoidable with major projects, the delays here have dragged on far too long.I have demanded a meeting with the developers to get clear answers on why this has taken so long and to push them to get the road reopened as soon as possible. I have also met with the local council team to understand what more can be done to apply pressure, and I%u2019ll keep pushing until we see progress.I%u2019m running the London Marathon in aid of Willen Hospice %u2013 if you would like to sponsor me, you can scan the QR code here.If you would like to get in touch with me or attend one of my surgeries, please feel free to email me at chris.curtis.mp@parliament.ukAs always, please follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for frequent news and updates from both Westminster and our constituency. Milton Keynes MPs work together on hospital expansionChris in Newport Pagnell during the September 2024 Floods