Summer 2002 Newsletter - Page 2

Letter from the House

Everybody knows that the economy is basically the driving force of everything we do in this country. It creates the revenues, the jobs, the general well-being, backbone and cement that keeps our communities by and large together. We have seen great changes in the rural economy in recent years, but in Bridgwater we have also seen great changes. What I really do feel so pleased about is that when I talk to people in Taunton or Weston or wherever I am, they say to me how different Bridgwater is, how dynamic it is and how it is moving on and people are now waking up to the fact that it is a very powerful industrial town.

I always say with great pride that I represent Bridgwater, not least of all because I think that it is a smashing town, but because it is always a privilege to go and talk to people in Bridgwater. There is a dynamic element in the town that you do not often find in other towns. Having come from the North East originally, I know what it was like in Newcastle in the ‘70s and ‘80s and Bridgwater has got very few of the problems they have.

However, the challenge that we now face is where to go in future. We do need more industrial land. We need the town centre to be dynamic and interesting and we need the people of Bridgwater to realise that we can succeed in holding it all together. That means that all of us must work together, from Members of Parliament to District and County Councillors to the people who may not think they have a part to play, but everybody in Bridgwater does have a part to play in promoting the town and banging the drum. As I said, it is always a privilege to talk to people in Bridgwater because we are a town with a buzz and we have to keep that buzz going. If the economy does slow down, there is no doubt that we do need to keep things moving and all of us together can do that.

I look forward to a prosperous summer and a good winter because I know that the local economy needs it. In spite of all the challenges we face, I think we have a very bright future indeed and the team in the town centre are doing a phenomenal job making sure that we keep the town safe, clean and looking to the future. 

Ian Liddel-Granger MP

tel 01278 458383

fax 01278 433613

email ianlg@parliament.uk

Proof of Age Cards Validate UK

Through Bridgwater On-line, Sedgemoor District Council would like to remind retailers about this initiative which was launched in schools in the summer of 2001 for children from the age of 11 - 18. Cards can still be issued free to children in schools and at a modest cost of £2.50 to those in work. If you sell prescribed goods - tobacco, alcohol, videos etc it is very important that you ask for proof of age before transactions take place. The Trading Standards Officers do spot checks in the town to ensure that age restrictions on certain goods are being applied. 

If you are interested in helping to promote the use of this scheme by offering incentives to card users, such as discounted entry, free, or discounted products, please contact:

Maggie Roberts - telephone 01278 435216

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