24/04/2024
Exciting news for Fleetwood….🤞🏻
I probably don't mention enough just how proud I am to be the Chair of Future Fleetwood - a Regeneration Board/group of hard-working & motivated individuals who've been meeting for years to try to improve the future of our town.
We're proud to have representatives from a wide variety of groups such as the NHS, Regenda Housing, Fleetwood Hospital, our town council, Wyre, LCC, our MP and many more. As well as these, we have local businesses such as Fleetwood Town, Affinity & Jelly Media, Fleetwood Museum and Blackpool Transport - all working together to kickstart improvements in our beloved town. We know things are tough at the moment and people don't always feel like they have a voice with the people who can make a difference. We want to feedback and challenge where needed and make help make things happen (even if it's more slowly than we would like).
Yesterday's meeting with two of the directors from Fox Brothers about their potential port acquisition has to be one of the most exciting and positive conversations I have had in ages. They're on the same page as lots of other people who believe in the town, they are community-minded with a track record of significant successes. There's still a way to go in the very formal process but, if they pull off what I think they really want and look able to - this could be some of the biggest news for the town in a very long time.
I also had a brilliant meeting last week with the new Chief Exec of Wyre Council, Rebecca Huddleston, who also shares our passion and enthusiasm for improving the town. I feel strongly that we will get her help and support in implementing some of our ideas based on what the people of our town want and need.
All of our schools in Fleetwood do a fantastic job, but some of our families desperately need more support and for aspects of their life and community to change. Between us, we need to help people get in to employment, live healthy lives, feel mentally well, feel that they belong and become more optimistic about their own future and the future of our town.
This is why we opened Strive, and I am aware of so much more planned for our little part of the world, e.g. the offering at Fleetwood Trust, the Youth Hub and The Boat House which are all not far from happening. We even have a new road which should make it much easier to get in and out of town, as well as help attract new business.
I'm sure there's loads that I've missed and some people may take one or two things the wrong way but, the point is, things are happening in Fleetwood. It might not feel like it, but they are. The change will come from within the town - by US - and for US.
This town looks after its own. It has a significant sense of community and, together, we know that we can make a brighter future for our children. It will take time and significant effort, energy and perseverance - but we can, and will, do it.
The port news may just be the big break our town needs - here's hoping it all goes smoothly and it revitalises our small town with the big heart.
