2017 saw the passing of actor Rodney Bewes who as Bob in ‘The Likely Lads’ helped put our area on the comedy map.  He famously asked Terry what epitaph he wanted.  Terry’s response was ‘None the bloody wiser’.  I have to admit that after writing twelve months ago that I hoped for greater clarity on Brexit those words seem appropriate.  There were fleeting grounds for optimism.  On my suggestion we forced the Government to publish their Brexit Impact Assessments only to be told they didn’t really exist.  Let’s hope for better in 2018.

We should find out what fishing looks like post the Common Fisheries Policy.  I hope 2018 sees the end of the Urgent Care Centre saga and that patients can access the treatment they want where they want it.  And I finally look forward in June to the opening of the regenerated Spanish City.  It’s been a long time in coming but having toured the site recently it looks like being well worth the wait.

The enduring images of 2017 include the terrorist attacks on Westminster, Manchester and elsewhere as well as the terrible tragedy of Grenfell.  So let me first wish you a safe and peaceful 2018.  And thank you to everyone across our communities who work hard, who do their bit, to make our area a great place to live and work.  I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

Happy New Year!