As we approach the end of 2022, we look forward to the new year on Sunday. 2022 was a year of change. Most notably we lost our monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth, and for the first time for most of us, we heard the King's speech at Christmas. A change to our usual tradition.
While many of our traditions remain the same, 2023 promises to be an exciting year locally. Across our area we now see examples of huge investment from the public and private sector. The news that the West Cumbria coal mine has been approved is a welcome boost to our economy, and a great result for my campaign that was supported by a number of my colleagues in Westminster as well as a large proportion of constituents and others across Cumbria.
Other investments include the Banking Hub which has been confirmed for Maryport. This will give a face to face service from a number of high street banks, providing better bank representation than Maryport has seen for many years, while those in charge sat back and chose to view the decline as inevitable.
Speedway will return to Workington for 2023, and I have been pleased to help the team in that endeavour. alongside the council leader Mike Johnson. The previous loss of the Comets is still felt, and I can't wait to ratch out my original Comets pin badge again. Alongside that, the improvements to Workington town centre from the Town Deal and Maryport from the High Streets Fund and Heritage Action Zone are beginning.
It is not just the initial investments in these projects that matters, it is also the investment in our local workforce, the opportunities that these investments present and the jobs they create, along with the training opportunities and the expansion of existing supply chains. A varied economy is a more resilient economy that offers us much more security.
I want to showcase the local opportunities. I want school leavers and those already in employment to reach their true potential. And I want young people to be able to explore these opportunities from a younger age. That is why I was delighted when my Private Members Bill obtained Royal Assent and became an Act in March 2022.
This made careers advice compulsory for all children in Year 7 and above regardless of the type of school they attend.
I have organised my inaugural Workington Skills Fair for February 9 at Workington Leisure Centre, from 3pm-7pm. This will be an opportunity for young people, graduates and those looking for employment or to upskill to meet directly with local businesses. to explore the opportunities right here on our doorstep.
Training providers will also be on hand to speak about apprenticeship and training opportunities with local firms. The event will be free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Thank you to the event's main sponsors - Center Parcs, the Cumberland Building Society, Cumbria LEP, Iggesund and Inspira.
2023 will also see the Coronation of King Charles III. I am certainly looking forward to witnessing history.
I wish every one of you a Happy New Year as we all look forward to 2023, a year of promise and progress.
