This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory over Japan) and I would like to encourage all those who contributed to the Second World War to register to take part in the national commemorations.
I am passionate about protecting and preserving Bournemouth's beautiful surroundings. In particular, our stunning coastline is the jewel in Bournemouth's crown and is what draws millions of visitors to the town every year and contributes a significant amount in tourism revenue to our local economy.Over the last few years, I have helped to secure funding for extra flood defences for our coastline, publicly called for more to be done to protect our greenbelt and to encourage developers to invest in existing brownfield sites, and have joined local rubbish clear-up operations myself.
Bournemouth has a higher population of elderly people than some other areas and our previous Conservative-led government ensured that they are protected and supported as much as possible.
As a popular seaside resort for visitors, it is important that residents feel safe and are able to enjoy living in our beautiful location. Boscombe is an area that is often discussed due to its reputation as an area with higher-than-usual levels of unregulated rehabilitation providers and support housing facilities, and many residents have raised concerns over crime and substance abuse levels in the area. Last year I helped the local policing team in Boscombe to open the new Tardis-style police box, but there is also more to be done to tackle local crime and drug use.
I am determined to continue improving local infrastructure in Bournemouth East. As our tourism industry continues to grow it is vital that transport access to the town remains suitable and is continually reviewed and improved. I have therefore campaigned heavily for access improvements to Pokesdown Station in Boscombe - securing meetings with the Transport Minister Baroness Kramer and with the rail industry, and hand-delivering a petition directly to Downing Street.
As the MP for Bournemouth East, one of my priorities is to continue supporting local businesses and work to increase local job opportunities. This includes tourism which is one of the biggest employment sectors in Bournemouth, and which could be badly affected if the plans for the Navitus Bay Wind Farm go ahead.
Tobias is calling for there to be proper disabled access at Pokesdown Station. The lack of a lift make it difficult or impossible for may groups to access the station including the disabled, mum's with buggies, cyclists, elderly passengers with luggage who all have to do battle with the steps. On 5th March 2015, Tobias Ellwood sent the following press release on this campaign:
I have consistently and publicly opposed plans for the Navitus Bay wind farm development off Bournemouth's beautiful coastline. If elected I will continue to oppose these plans, and in my own written submission given during the planning process I set out all the reasons why. You can read the full copy of my submission (June 2014) below: MY CONSULTATION SUBMISSION;
Tobias is one of the sponsors for this measure which is working its way through the Parliamentary system at present. He sets out his arguments in this booklet.To see the latest debate in the House of Commons see here.