As we look forward to 2018, I thought I would take a brief moment to reflect on the past 12 months and focus on my top priorities for the next year.

Locally we have a strong economy with the number of people on out-of-work benefits 60 per cent lower than in 2010.

In Winsford, Tiger Trailers demonstrates how a small enterprise can develop into a successful business, creating jobs and opportunities for the local community.

We have seen new businesses opening up across the town such as Rango’s restaurant and I hope 2018 will see more local entrepreneurs thriving.

Most notably of course is the major changes being made to the town centre with work beginning on demolishing and rebuilding the main shopping centre.

Supporting this will continue to be a priority for me going forward, working with local residents and the council to ensure that the right decisions are made to create a thriving hub for people from all over Cheshire. 

School funding has been a very important issue to many of my constituents this year.

I am glad that the Government has committed to investing an additional £1.3 billion in schools and high needs over the next two years, on top of existing plans.

I campaigned hard on this issue and welcome Government action.

It is important now that we see that this funding increase is passed on to all local schools so we can see a real difference made. 

This year we have experienced a number of distressing scenes and I would like to pay tribute to all the work our emergency services have done and will continue to do over the festive period.

I would like to highlight once again the outstanding work that Cheshire Constabulary did by joining forces with neighbouring colleagues to provide assistance earlier this year in response to the Manchester attack.

It is always important to remember that there will be many this Christmas and New Year period who are less fortunate than ourselves, and I would like to thank all those people who will be working over the holidays to ensure that vulnerable people get the support they need.

It is important to remember that every individual can help make a difference by getting involved in the local community or by contributing in some way to our local charities. 

Finally, I would like to wish all residents across Eddisbury and Cheshire a very happy and prosperous new year.