Burnham-On-Sea.com invited the parliamentary candidates standing to become the area’s next MP at the General Election to give their views on local issues.
Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Brean and Berrow will become part of the new Bridgwater and Burnham constituency when election day is held on July 4th. Voters will be heading to the polls to make their choice for a new MP.
In the first of several articles, they spoke to the candidates and this is what Ashley Fox had to say:
1. What will you offer residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area if elected as MP?
“I will be an active MP and will always put my residents first. I will answer every letter and email I receive, hold regular surgeries and visit every part of this new and diverse constituency of Bridgwater.”
“I am a former solicitor and served as Somerset’s Member of the European Parliament. I have experience in both the public and private sectors. I will be a powerful advocate for Burnham and Highbridge and stand up for the people I represent. I stand for strong defence, control of our borders, support for the police, low taxes & sound public finances, the rule of law, personal freedom & responsibility, and excellent public services.”
2. What do you see as the key local issues for voters in the Burnham-On-Sea area?
“The number one concern that local residents have raised with me is anti-social behaviour, especially in Highbridge. They are also worried about the illegal traveller encampments which afflict Burnham every year. This harms local businesses and stops our young people using their playing fields. I want the Police and the Council to take robust action to clear these illegal encampments immediately.”
“People are also concerned with the time it takes to get GP appointments. Access to NHS dentists is another key issue. It is clear that the NHS dental contract isn’t fit for purpose. I want it changed to ensure more dentists will undertake NHS work.”
“The state of our roads and the huge number of potholes we suffer from is often brought up on doorsteps. People understand that this is Somerset Council’s responsibility. It is unfortunate that LibDem incompetence has brought the Council to the brink of bankruptcy.”
3. What will be the first thing you do if you are elected as MP?
“Many local people I have spoken to have said that Burnham’s seafront and High Street and Highbridge’s Market Street need to be made more attractive places to visit and spend time in. I believe we can make this happen with a successful bid for funds to improve our town.”
“I was delighted when Bridgwater was awarded £23.2M from the government’s Town Deal Initiative. This will help regenerate the docks, improve the high street and fund many other local initiatives.”
“So the first thing I will do if elected as your MP is to start the process of putting forward an excellent bid for Burnham & Highbridge. I will reach out to both the Town Council and the business community to ensure that the whole town works together to secure these vital funds. This will improve the quality of life of everyone in Burnham and Highbridge.”
