Communities need bigger share of fracking cash

Time has flown recently in Westminster as there was so much going on.
Fracking rigs like this one are a common site in AmericaFracking rigs like this one are a common site in America
Fracking rigs like this one are a common site in America

I was delighted to meet the new director of the National Apprenticeship Service, Karen Woodward and talk with her about my role and how we continue to raise the profile of apprenticeships.

I was then invited by Cross rail to see TUCA - the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy which is a fantastic new purpose built facility providing training in the key skills required to work in tunnel excavation and underground construction.

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I was interviewed by a French journalist for a television programme. We discussed Fracking and my view that without significant retention of the revenues for communities I would find it difficult to support further development for Lancashire. I recently signed a letter to the Prime Minister which demanded that communities affected by fracking must get a bigger share – 10% would be reasonable.

I collected a cheque from the money raised at the match day lottery draw Burnley Football club a few weeks ago. An anonymous donor has doubled the money which is absolutely wonderful. I am very grateful and this has most certainly boosted our total.

There was a very productive evening with a Think Tank business forum which brought together Asian men to discuss expansion and how to contribute to the economy.

I was also delighted to go to Boohoo warehouse to have a tour. I was blown away by the company who started only a few years ago with 40 employees and now have 400. It is fantastic to see a company based in Burnley doing so well and despatching things as far away as Australia.

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I was busy with surgeries and my M&S stall was as busy as always.

I also attended Holocaust Memorial Day events at the town centre and parish hall. It is important to pay tribute to the victims and our continued commitment to the survivors.

There was also some fantastic news for our town with the new Urgent Care Unit opening. The £9m. facility is on the Burnley General Hospital site and will make such a difference to everyone in our town. I fought hard for this and am pleased it is now open.

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