Better connectivity

It is my priority to ensure that every household has access to rapid broadband and a choice of excellent transport options by:

  • Campaigning for better bus routes. I have already secured £2.6 million for improvements to existing bus services and I successfully campaigned for a new bus route from Newbury up the A34 via Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
  • Building on my recent work to get Gigabit broadband delivered to the RG20, RG17, RG14 and RG7 postcodes, I will continue to bring coverage to the remaining blackspots. Since I was elected, full fibre broadband coverage across West Berkshire has doubled. 
  • Securing flexible season tickets on trains – to reflect the fact that many people will be working from home more in the future and will want their travel costs to reflect this;
  • Working with Highways England on their 5-year plan to improve safety on the A34 north of Newbury.
  • Continuing to support local rail users and users groups to ensure the best service possible.
  • Campaigning for a bridge over the railway line in Thatcham due to the delays caused by the level crossing.

News

Laura meets with GWR and Network Rail

On Tuesday Laura spoke to GWR's Managing Director Mark Hopwood and Network Rail's Western Route Director Marcus Jones to ask what they are doing to urgently address the issues with services to and from London Paddington.

Laura hosts Thatcham Level Crossing Meeting

On Friday, Laura hosted a meeting to discuss Thatcham Level Crossing and the proposal for a bridge over the railway line. Laura said: "I had a really productive meeting on Friday about the next stage of our campaign to get the Department for Transport on board with our plans for a bridge. I am ve

Thatcham Level Crossing Survey

Following a meeting this week with representatives of Network Rail, Laura has launched a survey concerning the waiting times at Thatcham Level Crossing. Laura said: "I know that this situation has become intolerable for many residents of Thatcham.

Newbury Weekly News: Campaigns & Priorities

The final debate of the parliamentary year - now called The Sir David Amess Debate after its most loyal attendee - is an opportunity for MPs to set out their aspirations for their constituencies over the year ahead. I took the opportunity to highlight three priorities for Newbury over the next 12 m

Laura welcomes the Transport Secretary to Newbury

Laura welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, to Newbury Bus Station to show him how investment from the Department for Transport has improved local bus services.

Laura visits Thatcham Level Crossing

As part of Laura's campaign for a bridge over the Thatcham level crossing, she went to visit the Colthrop site and meet with the signal control box manager to discuss the issue. Speaking about the visit, Laura said: "The staff at the control box confirmed that the crossing is closed for longer tha

Laura speaks in the Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment Debate

On the final day before Summer Recess, Laura spoke in the annual Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment Debate to highlight some of her constituency campaigns. Laura thanked Oxfordshire County Council, West Berkshire Council and Thames Travel for their assistance with her successful camp

New bus route linking Newbury, Harwell & Didcot

Laura has secured her new bus route from Newbury to Didcot via Harwell Science and Innovation Campus after a two year campaign. Laura attended the official launch of the service on 6 July at Harwell Campus. Following the launch, Laura said: "After a long campaign, I am absolutely deligh