IT is so true when people say 'doesn't time fly' as this time last year my wife and I were preparing for my daughter's wedding with all our family coming together.


My son, daughter-in-law and beautiful grandchildren were arriving from Australia for Christmas and all was wonderful and it truly feels like it was only yesterday.


Christmas is a magical time for families to be together but some times this is not always possible for all sorts of reasons however we can look to our neighbours and friends for support during this festive season and hopefully bring joy and happiness to those less fortunate than ourselves.

 

Stonehouse has had another difficult year coming to terms with the loss of services previously delivered by the county council namely youth provision, reduced library services and the loss of our police station however we are currently looking at plans to address some of these issues in the coming year.


Other threats upon us are the proposed incinerator at Javelin Park and a mass housing allocation on the outskirts of town.


Your council will continue to represent your views and fight hard to get the best we can for our community.


Finally, I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received from my fellow councillors, officers and staff who throughout the year have worked hard to try and improve the lives of people in Stonehouse.


Merry Christmas and happy new year.