Coastal Scene Column - 9th December 2011

"It was great to welcome the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on Monday to Suffolk Coastal as they held their regionalCabinet meeting at BT's research HQ in Martlesham. While at BT, the Prime Minister learned more about the broadband deployment underway and also visited the tele-health suite which shows how technology can help people enjoy healthcare at home.

David Cameron certainly heard the message that improving the transport infrastructure is key for our county, crossing Suffolk and connecting East Anglia with the rest of the country on rail and road. Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable was very complimentary about our LEP who he had met the week before. This was a positive day showcasing our county and I received many compliments later that evening.

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement contained some more tough medicine for the country. The crisis in the Eurozone is affecting us all but the Chancellor has promised to do whatever it takes to protect Britain from the debt storm whilst building the foundation for future growth. The potential downgrading of other Eurozone countries credit rating will hurt them but by keeping to our programme, we can maintain our low interest rates that really help home-owners.

The Chancellor also pledged that the Government will help businesses and families by cancelling the proposed 3p rise in fuel duty due to come into effect in January. This is really good news for us all living in rural Suffolk. I still think in gallon differentials and 14p per gallon will really help.

Talking about planning for the future it may surprise you that in the depths of winter measures are being put in place to try to prevent a summer drought. In a recent report published by the Environment Agency and backed by the Environment Secretary, farmers, businesses and water companies are being asked to plan carefully how they store, use and share water.

The drought that has affected eastern England this year could continue until next summer. We had a very dry spring this year – and back in May I highlighted the issue with the Prime Minister. If sustained rainfall does not replenish water levels that were depleted during that time then there is a high risk that we could be in drought next summer.

Water companies have been asked to step up their leak detection to make sure leakage is kept under control and to keep their customers informed, encouraging them to use water wisely. Anglian Water have been issued with a drought permit to refill one of its reservoirs and will continue to work to avoid any hosepipe restrictions next year."

Farmers have also been asked to plan ahead for their irrigation needs, including options for scheduling their irrigation, filling their winter storage reservoirs and working with others through local water abstractor groups to share water resources.

The Environment Agency will reassess the likelihood of a prolonged drought, along with any further recommendations and report in early 2012. I will continue to press for appropriate action for residents and our farmers in the coming months."

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