Lets hope that 2016 is as full of opportunities as this year was

From House to Home with Amber Rudd SUS-151103-114637001

The Christmas decorations are up and the local shops are packed with people looking for last minute stocking gifts.

As an area full of quirky independent shops, my friends and family are going to get gifts a long way from regular brands screaming out from billboards and the tv. I hope they like them!

Throughout this year, Hastings and Rye has continued to show what a fantastic place it is to live and work in – and next year promises to be even better.

Our efforts to extend High Speed Rail services from London to Rye, Hastings and Bexhill are progressing as the Government committed to assessing the feasibility of the scheme over the next year, specifically with the upgrade being considered in the Kent and Sussex RUS Plan which comes out at the end of 2016.

In addition, Hastings managed to gain the attention it deserved in the national press for its thriving arts and culture scene, as The Times named it as one of the ‘coolest’ seaside towns in the UK.

This will be underlined when the pier reopens in Spring next year, and the Jerwood Gallery partners London Art Fair 2016.

Unemployment has fallen again this year.

My fifth annual employment fair will help keep this trend going when, on Friday 26 February, I bring local employers together with people seeking a job or apprenticeship.

Further information on this is available here - http://www.hastingsjobsfair.co.uk/.

Our schools have also enjoyed a commendable year - over 75% of which are rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

I’m sure that 2016 will bring more exciting new opportunities as well as challenges for all of us.

I would like thank all of you for re-electing me as your MP on May 7th.

I enjoy every day of my exciting and challenging job and I look forward to continuing to work hard to help bring continued success and growth to this unique and wonderful part of the country.

As always please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help you with any problems, address any issues or answer any questions- I’m always happy to help.

I hope all of you enjoy spending time with family and friends and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!