This page shows the successful campaigns I have been involved in throughout the Bolsover constituency. If you would like to know more details about any of these campaigns please do not hesitate to email me on mark.fletcher.mp@parliament.uk.
First Homes
During the 2019 General Election, I campaigned for more affordable housing for people across the Bolsover constituency. In June, the Government launched a new First Homes Scheme, which provides at least a 30% discount for first-time buyers who are from the surrounding area or a key worker, in Shirebrook. I will continue to support the Government, Bolsover District Council, and Keepmoat Homes in the rollout of this project to help ensure local residents can get on the housing ladder.
Sandwood Close, Newton
After residents got in touch with me regarding the condition of the pavement at Sandwood Close in Newton, I spoke to Derbyshire County Council (DCC) about smoothing out the pavements.
I was delighted that DCC agreed to complete the maintenance work as soon as possible and I am extremely grateful for the residents who brought this to my attention.
Local Authority Treescape Fund
In May 2021, I wrote to the County Council to ask them to consider an application for this scheme, so residents in the Bolsover constituency could benefit from this funding. It was great to hear back from Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, who confirmed the County Council’s Woodland Officer is currently preparing a bid for this year’s fund, and that, if successful, the project will include plantings in the Bolsover District.
Road Resurfacing Mill Green Way, Clowne
A number of residents contacted me regarding the poor condition of the road outside Wilkinsons in Clowne. I contacted the County Council’s Highways Department with photographs of the numerous large potholes and poor surface condition, and I was delighted once the road had been resurfaced to a higher standard.
Church Drive, Shirebrook
In April 2021, I met with Cllr Janet Tait and Cllr Christine Dale to discuss their concerns with the condition of Church Drive in Shirebrook. Road users had become increasingly concerned about the number of potholes as well as the road’s general surface.
Following my discussions with Derbyshire County Council, Highways have agreed to carry out repairs on the road and added it to the list of roads to be considered for resurfacing next financial year.
Road Safety Bakestone Moor, Whitwell
I teamed up with local councillors Tom Munro and Duncan McGregor to improve road safety at Bakestone Moor.
After concerns had emerged from residents regarding road safety at Bakestone Moor in Whitwell, local councillors Munro and McGregor invited me to see first-hand some of the concern’s residents had. Following the meeting and speaking to residents I agreed to speak to Derbyshire County Council to discuss potential solutions and the installation of signs.
After discussions with the Derbyshire County Council, new signs will now be installed at Bakestone Moor, including better signs for the bend in the road and markings to show the start of the 30 MpH area.
East Midlands Freeport
In the March 2021 Budget, the Chancellor announced the East Midlands Freeport bid had been accepted, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to invest and do business in the region – turbocharging the regional economy and benefitting the Bolsover constituency in the process.
I am proud of my part in the campaign to establish an East Midlands Freeport which could bring up to 80,000 jobs and sees £1bn of investment into the the region.
I’m incredibly pleased that the Government is committed to delivering its manifesto pledge to level-up the whole of the UK, including making direct investments into the East Midlands
Shirebrook Link Road - Funding for Feasibility Study
In March 2021, myself and the Leader of Bolsover District Council, Cllr Steve Fritchley, received a response from the Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Barry Lewis, confirming that the County Council has committed resources to an initial feasibility study into access to Shirebrook, with a potential additional £150k of support if the project makes enough progress.
The County Council also understands the connectivity challenges faced by Shirebrook, recognises Shirebrook’s regeneration potential and has included the concept of the Shirebrook Link Road in its Local Transport Plans.
This commitment from the County Council into recognising the issues and potential of Shirebrook is vitally important as I continues to campaign for investment into infrastructure as part of plans to level up the Bolsover constituency and regenerate our area.
By improving transport links and access to local towns it will provide a huge boost to local plans to attract high quality jobs and further investment into the area.
Financial Support for Creswell Crags
Having spoken with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on a number of occasions about support for tourist sites effected by the pandemic in my constituency, I was delighted that Bolsover benefitted from over £1.28 million of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, which included over £400,000 for Creswell Heritage Trust.
Road Safety near Bolsover Church Of England Junior School
A number of residents contacted me regarding road safety for children near Bolsover Junior School on Horsehead Lane. Having contacted Derbyshire County Council they agreed to install a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and highway signage on Horsehead Lane, as well as school warning signs on the approaches to the school.
Funding for Bolsover Castle
Having spoken with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on a number of occasions about support for tourist sites effected by the pandemic in my constituency, I was delighted that Bolsover benefitted from over £1.28 million of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, which included over £400,000 for Bolsover Castle.
Pinxton Station – Funding for Feasibility Study
In the summer of 2020, myself and Cllr Steve Fritchley, Leader of Bolsover District Council, signed a joint letter in support of the reopening of the Maid Marian Line and agreed a list of priorities for the District, including the creation of a new station for Pinxton.
In November 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) awarded Ashfield District Council (ADC) £50,000 to progress plans to reinstate historic stations and restore passenger services closed during the 1960s Beeching cuts.
I continue to work with local MPs, ADC, Bolsover District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Derbyshire County Council to support the project during the next stages of bid.