There are any number of issues that could fill a column and more this week. On Monday I met the Prime Minister on the rail dispute (details on my website). Last week the Government announced its proposal for “Fair Funding” for schools – a step in the right direction for most of our schools but I know, in looking forward to meeting Headteachers to discuss responses to the consultation, that the emphasis will be on “step”. Both these issues are hugely important. So too are some of the dreadful events ongoing abroad – whether in Berlin or the ongoing situation in Aleppo.
I am sure I will come back to these in coming weeks (though we would all be only too delighted if some are resolved in the meantime). I suspect though that with Christmas upon us it is time to accentuate the positive!
Horsham was in the top 20 of another survey this week of great places to live and despite the nightmares being experienced by rail passengers or the unfairness of school funding I am certain our transport links and excellent local schools will be prominent among the reasons. As will be our shops and eateries – much enhanced in recent years and soon to be bolstered by a multiplex cinema. We boast one of the highest rates of employment anywhere in the country and Horsham is generally a very safe place to live.
Another asset for our area, of which we are all aware but which is harder to measure, is the sense of community. Horsham remains at its heart a market town where residents help each other. I have been privileged to see so many vivid examples of this from support groups for those who are unwell; fund-raising ventures for so many good causes; groups supporting the young and those who are older. There are any number of voluntary local organisations from theatre to flower shows, from seeking to preserve our built heritage to our natural environment. There is so much of which our area can feel proud and on that note I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.