2006 has been a great year for Swindon and much of what happened has already set the agenda for 2007.  

Plans to extend the Royal Mail depot at Dorcan and Honda’s decision to create 700 new jobs were part of our continued business success in Swindon. The Chancellor once again congratulated Swindon’s workers on their productivity in this, the 10^th year of sustained national growth.  

One event which went against this trend, the collapse of Farepak, gave Swindon the opportunity to prove it is also a true community – with local people and businesses rallying round to help those affected.  

I was pleased that education continued to improve in Swindon, with record breaking results at GCSE and A Level. It was great to learn this month that Swindon falls within one of the successful pathfinder areas for primary schools, which means that it will receive extra millions for school buildings.  

I was disappointed to have to spend so much time making the case for Lower Shaw Farm to the council, when it was obvious to the people of Swindon that it is an asset. Without a doubt the fantastic support of people across the town forced the council to reconsider its priorities.  

This has also been an exciting year in Parliament, I campaigned on diverse issues such as companies responsibility to the environment and the communities they serve, mini-motos and tail-docking of dogs. I sat on committees scrutinising the Education Bill, the Animal Welfare Bill and the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, among others. Each time the priorities of South Swindon residents were my point of reference.  

Next year I will continue to champion Swindon jobs, and continue to argue for more resources for education and training.  

I have a weighty petition to hand into parliament to ask for my ideas for tough new laws on mini-motos to be taken up.  

The employees and customers of Farepak deserve answers, and I will ensure they get them – and that safeguards are put in place so that this never happens again.  

I will ensure that the council keeps its promises on Lower Shaw Farm, or that its failings are exposed.  

2007 will be a year for making the decisions that now face the town, over the town centre, its plans for education from Sure Start through to the colleges, the university, the future of the Science Museum at Wroughton, and its future development and growth. 

I hope next year is a bumper year for Swindon.