A number of projects continue in the Oldbury area and Luke can provide residents with some key updates.

Luke continues to push for an A38 Infrastructure Investment Package for Thornbury and Alveston, and the surrounding Severn villages. Some new cycle lanes have already been put in place; however, we continue to push for better bus services, improved parking near Thornbury, and safer road crossings. Luke is also keen to hear from residents about what other measures would be beneficial.

Work continues to redevelop Thornbury Health Centre, which will focus on primary care, outpatient, preventative care, taking pressure off Southmead and allow care closer to home, in the South Gloucestershire community.

Our plans for brand new healthcare facilities in Thornbury have taken another major step forward with the announcement that South Gloucestershire Council have purchased the Thornbury Hospital site.  In a landmark agreement with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), South Gloucestershire Council have secured the land to further advance long-term proposals to deliver improved GP primary care, outpatient and social care services for the town.

This follows a £13.3million bid to Government for the redevelopment of the site. This would also provide a new home for the town’s local GP practices, enhanced mental health support, social care and NHS beds and a proactive ‘frailty hub’ which would focus on the elderly community receiving care in their own homes. Redeveloping Thornbury health centre is a key part of Luke’s Positive Plan for Health. It will mean our community can access the care they need closer to home, including more outpatient and GP services, mental health support and extra care housing.

As part of Luke’s Positive Plan for Schools, Luke continues to work with South Gloucestershire Council to deliver the new SEN school, Two Bridges Academy, which will educate and support 2–19-year-olds with severe learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders. With a variety of equipment such as a hydrotherapy pool, specialist disability sports equipment for rebound therapy, changing facilities specially designed for young people with additional needs, soft play space for supporting sensory diet needs, outdoor wheelchair accessible play equipment and purpose-built life-skills facilities.

Some of the school’s specialist facilities will be available for local community use and hire outside school hours. A preliminary consultation has already been held evaluating the plans for the new school, and as our local MP Luke has submitted a letter of support to deliver this vital project.

Most recently, alongside local Councillor Matthew Riddle and Council Leader Toby Savage, Luke met with members of the Severn Vale Flood Defence Group, to discuss their ongoing commitment and work to help protect the shoreline along the Severn Estuary. They discussed the measures being taken to protect our local villages against flooding, including Oldbury-on-Severn, Aust, and Littleton.

Luke will be taking their concerns up with the Environment Agency and DEFRA to seek further support; and assurances that there is an ongoing plan and supporting investment to tackle the flooding risk along our shoreline.

Luke hopes to offer further updates on these important issues in the coming weeks and months. If there is anything Luke can do as our local MP please get in touch at luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk.