Working hard for Rochester and Byrness

 Representing our rural communities and making their voice heard is my central priority.

Storm Arwen affected so many across Northumberland. Thousands were without power for days, and some were without power for 13 days. Northern Powergrid’s response was totally unacceptable. Their communications completely failed – leaving everyone with no information of when their power would be restored.

Ever since, I have been working hard to ensure our local rural communities are better prepared for future storm events.

I held six public meetings across the constituency, including two in the North Tyne at Bellingham. The meetings were a chance for local people to have their voices heard by the companies responsible for the response to Storm Arwen.

The Department for Business, Ofgem and I each released a report setting out clear recommendations as to how to improve the technical resilience of the grid for future storm events. 

As a result, Northern Powergrid has recently launched their £7.5 million foundation, which provides up to £20,000 grants to Parish councils, village halls and community groups. So far, I have sponsored 17 applications, of which, X have been approved. The scheme will be formally launching in the new year and I will provide further details of how you apply when the information is available.

Rochester Village Hall Committee were awarded an £18,000 grant as part of their application to fund key pieces of equipment, such as a generator.

With Susan and David from Rochester Parish Council

I recently had the opportunity to meet with David, Susan and local residents at Rochester Village Hall. ITV Tyne Tees also came along to cover the new generator they have bought with the money they have received from Northern Powergrid. You can see the ITV report here: https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2022-11-26/arwen-aftermath-generators-installed-to-keep-village-running-during-blackouts

I also popped into Rochester Relish – The last café in England, where I presented my Small Business Award. Rochester Relish is a fantastic local business. Please do support them is you are going past!

I have also knocked on doors and surveyed local people in Rochester and Byrness to ensure residents have had their local concerns heard. 

Visiting the local school in Otterburn recently