AS we welcome in the New Year, having gathered with family and friends to celebrate Christmas, it is a time to remember our neighbours, those less fortunate than ourselves, and our community in the broadest sense of the word. 

I pay tribute to the selfless and dedicated work of local volunteers, charities, and carers, the men and women of our emergency services, and all of those working to keep our vital public services running, every night and day of the year, not least the NHS and our Social Care. 

My heartfelt thanks goes out to them, for all of the work they will continue to do throughout the coming year, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those in our communities who are in most need.

I would also especially like to thank the men and women of the Armed Services who, by duty, are separated from their families at this time, working to protect the wider community. At this time, when the world is suffering from threats and dangers to our peace and security, we must maintain our responsibility to protect those around us.

Closer to home, 2015 heralds a time when the people of Eddisbury, along with everyone in the United Kingdom, will have their chance in May, to make their choice about who represents them in Parliament, and which Party they wish to see govern us.

My commitment, however those free choices go, is to continue to dedicate myself to the interests, promotion, and protection of all the people in Eddisbury.

My wife, Gemma, and I, as we look ahead to all that 2015 will bring, extend our warmest wishes to the constituents of Eddisbury, and to their families and friends, for a very happy and prosperous New Yea.r