“Earlier this month Michael Gove announced a landmark Agriculture Bill to replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). As we leave the European Union this Bill will replace the current rules. The changes announced will gradually transform the agriculture sector, giving farmers time to adapt. At the heart of the Bill is a commitment to tackling climate change. The Bill also contains a specific provision to enable government to provide financial assistance to improve productivity. This may have a significant effect on the farmers in the area, and I look forward to the changes in the bill being implemented.
Lidl have announced that they are planning to build a new store in Grove, to be built off Grove Road. A planning application for submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council on 7th September. I am pleased that we should soon being getting a greater choice of supermarkets, although the plans should consider the effect on local traffic. You can find out more details of the proposals at grove.lidl.co.uk.
The Bank of England is looking for secondary schools from Wantage and Didcot to take part in their digital media competition about the role of the Bank. The competition is aimed at students aged 11-18 and schools are invited to submit a short film on topics which change from year to year. This year’s title is ‘What will money be like in the future?’ The competition received over 130 entries last year, and if you would like to enter this year you can find details at bankofengland.co.uk/education/competitions.
This month I was very pleased to visit Didcot Girls School, turn the first turf at Grove Business Park and visit EMS Physio, who produce specialist medical equipment in the Park. I also attended the commemoration of the centenary of WWI in Didcot, with the dedication of a centenary field.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any pressing issues that you would like help with. You can contact me on any matter at the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, dicksonce@parliament.uk or 01235 768 888. Email is the quickest and most reliable way to get in touch, as I keep a very close eye on my emails and can reply very quickly. Details of my activities in Parliament can be read on my website, https://www.vaizey.com. I also send out occasional general interest emails about developments in the Wantage and Didcot Constituency. You can sign up here: http://bit.ly/EdVaizeyMP.”