I had a welcome treat on Saturday, namely getting my hair cut for the first time in many months. I know many of you also enjoyed being able to access a range of hospitality outlets right across the constituency as some of the restrictions have been eased. If you can, do support our local businesses as they re-open and in all respects – please keep up the hand washing and adhere to the guidance. 

Many of you have been in touch about re-opening pools, particularly the open-air pool in Wiveliscombe. I know how important it is to those whose main form of exercise is swimming and how beneficial it is for mental and physical well-being and I am continuing to engage with Ministers to help ensure they are re-opened as soon as possible. Similarly, I continue to make the case for beauty salons and alternative therapy practitioners to re-open.

I am delighted to have received welcome news from the National Trust that the Wellington Monument restoration project will remain a priority for the Trust – skilled – socially distanced – work has been ongoing throughout lockdown and will continue. Further good news for Wellington came with the recent announcement that the A38 Chelston Link has been awarded just over £4.7 million for repair work that will benefit the local area and comes as the Government commits to a greener, faster recovery where a range of infrastructure projects will help to level up across the country.

As you know I have worked on the environmental agenda consistently during my time in Parliament and am pleased that the £40m Green Recovery Challenge fund has just been launched. A huge step has also been taken to help reach our net zero commitments with the £2bn launch of the Green Homes Grant providing vouchers for homeowners to make energy-saving improvements. I had a lively exchange with more than 25 constituents calling for a green recovery in a virtual ‘Time is Now’ lobby last week and I hope they will welcome both these announcements. I have also been working to secure a pilot project for electric vehicle charging points for Taunton, the outcome of which I hope will be announced shortly.

REBECCA POW

Taunton Deane MP