INFRASTRUCTURE has been one of South Gloucestershire’s biggest and fastest growing problems for a number of years; whether it is healthcare, access to quality broadband or a lack of suitable road network or public transport facilities, we have been stalling for too long.

Last week South Gloucestershire Council announced that £1.54million will be put into into the second phase of the broadband roll out scheme. The confirmed areas in this phase include Abson, Acton Turville, Falfield, North Road in Yate, Rangeworthy and improvements in both Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury.

Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury, it should be a right - absolutely fundamental to life in 21st Century Britain. I will be pushing to Government to meet its commitment to ensure that all UK homes and businesses will have access to "fast broadband" by 2020.

As the local MP for some of South Gloucestershire’s most rural towns and villages, and someone who has grown up in the area, I can fully appreciate what a difference broadband can make to a community. I have continually pressed this issue with Openreach and Government Ministers, and it is important that while I welcome this news, I know that some areas of the constituency have missed out, and so I will continue to raise this issue both in Parliament and in my meetings with BT and other local stakeholders.

Another major announcement last week saw a pledge to provide new facilities at Thornbury and Frenchay Hospitals, including approximately 44 NHS rehabilitation and 30 mix use care beds at both hospital sites. The desire for these facilities has been very clear - one of the first things I did in Parliament was to have a debate on Healthcare in South Gloucestershire with the Minister. Following this, I raised the issue further in meetings and with local health chiefs. I also showed the Secretary of State for Health; Jeremy Hunt, around the Henderson Ward in Thornbury Hospital and explained the state of the current facilities personally.

In addition to this is the campaign for a new Junction 18A on the M4, which is in full swing, with both members of the public and businesses signing up to show their support. The junction would address increasing residential and commercial demands being placed on South Gloucestershire, which is already experiencing significant growth. It would tackle congestion and play a major role in connecting local businesses, boosting regional and national trade, and helping to reduce unemployment.

As the local MP, I am grateful for the support of the local communities around South Gloucestershire with all of these campaigns. It is clear that the expected growth across the area over the next 10 years will require local infrastructure to match the growing demand.

These developments show us what can be achieved in our communities when there is the local and political will, working alongside stakeholders. If we want our local infrastructure to match our ambition, we must keep working for further improvements – delivery on the Healthcare announcements, a fully funded junction 18A and broadband to every business and home in South Gloucestershire.