An Introduction to some of David's Campaigns in Stafford.

As MP, David's job was to seek the right response to the concerns raised by his constituents.

In a number of cases this has led David into a number of in-depth campaigns, bringing the right people and ideas together to bring about change.

The sections listed below indicate what has happened in some of these campaigns.

Click on the headings for details.

Increasing Energy efficiency in Stafford.

It is important for the prosperity of Stafford, and for the wellbeing of everyone who lives here to make sure that as many of our homes become as energy efficient as possible. This is a big task and we should not underestimate the many obstacles to be overcome. David will be encouraging neighbourhoods to work together to get this work done.

Meeting Stafford's Transport needs.

Given Stafford's position, on a major motorway, and major rail line, transport concerns are of central importance to many of Stafford's constituents. David takes an active interest in a wide range of transport matters, including the development of "hard shoulder running" on the M6 and the construction of a new multi-storey car park at Stafford railway station alongside improved facilities for cyclists.

Flood Watch

The major floods of 2007, and significant floods in previous years has shown us all how vulnerable Stafford is to flooding, in the unpredictable weather conditions we must all now learn to expect. David has consulted widely with his constituents, and has taken a very active role in prompting the government to make an effective response to these matters. Stafford has benefited from substantial funding for new and improved drainage systems as a result, increasing flood protection measures in the town.

Policing

David has been particularly pleased to support the work of successive Chief Constables, including Michael Cunningham, the most recently appointed Chief Constable for Staffordshire. As a result, there have been radical initiatives to promote more effective policing, including much stronger neighbourhood policing. Staffordshire Police also led the way in cutting out unnecessary form-filling, itself the trigger for a Green Paper on policing methods which spread this best practice to all other Police Services.

See Change - Steps towards protecting the Environment in Staffordshire.

David has worked closely with Rodbaston College in Penkridge to bring about significant changes in the way we look at the impact of climate change, the means by which we can take the necessary action to adapt to climate change that is already in train and ways to prevent further damage occurring.

Feeding Stafford

The impact of rising food prices in 2008 has brought home to many of us just how important it is to have an affordable supply of good quality food. David has been aware of these issues for many years, and aware of all the health aspects of ensuring that a good diet is available to his constituents. David tirelessly promotes local food and drink supply chains and has proposed the extension of the Taste of Staffordshire scheme to become a scheme for promoting local producers and distributors.

Train to Gain

David is very aware of the importance of encouraging successful business within Stafford, and he works hard keeping in contact with the Chamber of Commerce, visiting personally new businesses, and looking out for new opportunities to develop business in Stafford, including new inward investment and improved graduate retention. In the new global economy keeping our skills up to date and relevant to the new opportunities is vitally important and David is actively encouraging business to use "train to Gain".

Boosting Tourism in Staffordshire.

Though Stafford is not a great centre for international tourism, tourism in its more local forms is an important element of the town's economy. David takes an active interest in stimulating this, believing that we have strengths because of our central location and our "green and pleasant land". He proposes that we could be strong on green toursim, short breaks, activity holidays and businesses' away days and team-building sessions.

Managing the Land in Staffordshire.

There are significant challenges in trying to balance the conflicting demands on our land: conserving the beauty and diversity of our natural environment, producing sufficient food to provide for us all, meeting the demand caused by the growth in the number of households, avoinding building in flood plainsand the need for green spaces - green infrastructire - be it for leisure purposes, attractiveness or emotional well-being. David is very aware of all these issues and tries to help guide us through them. David is seeking your views in "my vision for Stafford".

Supporting the Military

Stafford is a significant military town. There have been major changes over the last 10 years, with the withdrawal of the RAF, and the change to a new use. David has always been concerned to make the town welcoming for the military families who spend some time here, and has actively campaigned to ensure that there needs are met.