As the UK’s space and aviation ambitions and economy
continues to develop, the opportunities available to Newquay continue to be a
great source of excitement for me. These are extremely interesting times for
the area and I believe the Government is continuing to show its faith in the
town’s potential by backing a number of projects.
Cornwall Airport Newquay continues to go from
strength-to-strength. The latest news that a year-round air link between
Newquay and Leeds Bradford Airport has been secured is just one testament to
this.
From October, Flybe will be operating this service three
times a week thanks to the support of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund. This
Government fund gives airports, such as Newquay, the ability to introduce
early, air routes that are not quite yet commercially viable. This gives
airlines time to build passenger numbers and deliver a more sustainable
service, therefore hopefully securing them for the future.
What a great opportunity for residents, students and
businesses alike to be able to travel to Yorkshire, a growing northern business
hub, within 85 minutes, saving precious hours on a car or rail journey. As a
Yorkshireman and a big fan of Cornwall, the Aviation Minister, Robert Goodwill,
is on record as saying he is looking forward to making the most of this new
service.
I believe the granting of this funding continues to
demonstrate the firm backing of the Government and their commitment to Newquay.
It is clear that they consider the airport to be hugely important to our local
economy. With this backing, we can continue to drive investment both in and
around Newquay, the airport and Aerohub, as well as the wider mid-Cornwall
economy.
This news follows an agreement last year between the
Department for Transport, Flybe and Cornwall Council for a 118 seat jet
aircraft to operate between Newquay and Gatwick. Securing support from aviation
ministers in Westminster was vital for this and I remain extremely proud to
have played a part in it.
Meanwhile, recent figures show the airport carried over
250,000 passengers last year and the forecast for this financial year is
370,000. This is great progress. I have always been a supporter of the airport
and will continue to work with its management and Cornwall Council to ensure it
continues to strive for more and reach its full potential.
Additionally, the bid for the spaceport continues. I truly
believe Newquay is in a very strong position and final criteria depending, is
set to be able to put a very strong case forward. I never miss an opportunity
to remind ministers in Westminster of Newquay’s merits and to push for progress
in narrowing the final six down even further. I am hopeful that we will make
progress on this in the very near future. I am very excited by the prospect of
a Cornwall Spaceport and truly believe if Newquay wins the bid, mid-Cornwall
could be transformed by new jobs and opportunities.
As always, my team and I are here to serve the whole
constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone
needing support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then
please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the
constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
