GEORGE Osborne, MP for Tatton, Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton – which covers Holmes Chapel, Goostrey and Cranage – and Knutsford town mayor Clr Vivien Davies have taken the time to write to residents.

George Osborne, MP for Tatton, told the Guardian the airport compensation agreement was a highlight for many town residents.

“Christmas is a time of celebration,” he said.

“Our young children can barely contain their excitement, and we are looking forward to seeing many of our family on Christmas Day.

“But Christmas is also a time to remember those who are having a tough time, those who have lost loved ones this year and those in the armed forces and emergency services who work to keep us safe while we enjoy the festivities.

“It has been quite a year for Knutsford.

“We have welcomed the Olympic torch and the inspirational people carrying it through Knutsford and followed the success of Team GB in the Games.

“There has also been the welcome news that after many years of campaigning, local households and the whole local community have received compensation from Manchester Airport for its second runway.

“This year has also seen a fantastic local charity, The Welcome, receive a Big Society award, the opening of the new Knutsford Academy and the launch of many new business across Knutsford which I have had the pleasure of visiting.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

 

 

Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton, said: “Once again it has been a great privilege to serve the residents of Holmes Chapel, Goostrey and the surrounding area as your MP.

“Key issues which I have worked on together with your hard-working local councillors Andrew Kolker and Les Gilbert have included successfully opposing the utterly inappropriate plans for a huge waste incinerator near Middlewich, supporting the ongoing residents’ campaigns to reduce speeding and heavy traffic through the village and siting of unwanted and unsustainable planning applications.

“Community life in Holmes Chapel and Goostrey is going from strength to strength.

“It has been a pleasure to attend so many activities and events – tidying up with the Holmes Chapel Village volunteers and enjoying produce from Home Grown in Holmes Chapel, supporting the Holmes Chapel Fire Cadets and Goostrey Guides’ exciting international aid projects, attending events at the new Holmes Chapel Scout building, the Holmes Chapel RNLI and Fair Trade events and speaking at Goostrey WI.

“I enjoyed performances of the many local musical and choral groups and several high quality Goosfest events – the Radio 4 Any Questions? at Clonter being a coup for the area.

“I also congratulate Holmes Chapel Partnership not only for all they do, but particularly for all their – and indeed everyone’s – sterling work to make this year’s first Christmas market such a success.

“I have been pleased to meet representatives from many local businesses at their premises or at the regular surgeries I hold at Holmes Chapel Library, and it was a particular highlight to attend the new product launch at Sanofi, securing many new jobs for the area.

“My thanks to everyone who gives so much to make our local community life so strong, and my very best wishes to you all for Christmas and the coming year.”

 

 

Clr Vivien Davies, Knutsford Town Mayor, said the town’s community spirit had clearly been on display in 2012.

She said: “2012 has been an exciting year for Knutsford as we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with street parties, and culminating with the unveiling of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee arch in November.

“In May the Olympic Torch was carried through Knutsford to the cheers of crowds lining the streets and celebrations taking place.

“Knutsford may not be a large town, but whatever we do we celebrate wholeheartedly and in style, making sure we include everyone. This could be seen at the Royal May Day parade and at the Christmas lights switch-on, Christmas fair and crib service.

“This year we have also had a very successful artisan market, which we hope to repeat during 2013.

“None of this would happen of course without the help and support of the people of Knutsford and their willingness to make their town a pleasant place to live, work and play.

“During my year as mayor I have been invited to many organisations, clubs, societies and church events, where I have seen how much time and effort is put in by people to as they aim to improve other people’s lives.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in these groups and services, and to encourage others who may have one or two hours a week spare to join their ranks.

“From myself, as mayor of the town council, and my fellow volunteer councillors, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.”