WITH the start of a new year comes hopes and dreams for what the next 12 months will bring.

Resolutions are made and new adventures planned but what will happen in the next few months is still uncertain as we continue to face restrictions on our freedoms and way of life.

We have one vaccination programme underway and hopes of others being approved, so there is light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel.

We will never forget 2020 and those who lost their life to Covid – and will remain forever grateful for the dedication of our frontline NHS workers and key workers.

I know for many, Christmas was an extremely tough time, people had to choose which family or friends to see and others were alone as they felt the risk was too high.

Like Christmas, the start of a new year can trigger a host of emotions, so now more than ever we will need to continue checking on our neighbours.

As we move forward, I know the community spirit across Tatton will remain resolute.

The amazing togetherness of communities I saw after first being elected as your MP in 2017 shone through and provided light in the darkest of times.

I could not be prouder to represent such communities who genuinely care for each other in good times and bad.

We will get through this together and I hope and pray this year we will all be free, free of Covid and free of restrictions so we can come together again and have that human interaction we all are craving.

Until then I hope we continue to support our local high streets and businesses, who suffered tremendously and while some succeeded sadly others could not survive the climate.

We have many resilient and resourceful businesses in the area who are fighting and working hard to succeed – believing we will come through this.

They are right – we will get through this and we can all play our part by supporting them in any way we can.

I also hope in the very near future I can restart my regular school visits, business meetings and face-to-face surgeries.

Most of the past year saw work move online and I, like everyone else, am missing face-to-face contact with you all.

Until that time, I will continue fighting for you in any way I can, pushing Government on things that matter to our area from transport issues, to digital connectivity to supporting businesses and the hospitality sector, to protecting our green belt and continuing to oppose HS2.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all my very best wishes for a happy and successful 2021 and I look forward to seeing you in person as soon as the virus allows.