THIS has been an eventful year.

A year that started in the aftermath of the tsunami and ended in the ongoing effects of the earthquake in South East Asia.

A year that saw the return of a third-term Labour Government and the fifth leader of the Conservatives in eight years.

In Redditch, I was lucky enough to be re-elected in May with an increased majority and I have continued to fight for the interests of residents.

Several of the campaigns I have been involved in have developed significantly in the last year.

The Studley bypass scheme was at last dropped by Warwickshire County Council, lifting blight from hundreds of families in Redditch.

Now more sensible solutions for congestion in Studley and Astwood Bank can be brought forward.

In the year when we won the right to host the 2012 Olympics, the Abbey Stadium development has moved several steps closer.

The public inquiry into the scheme was held last month.

I made a presentation and the decision will be made by May.

If we get the nod, Redditch can look forward to a cinema complex, a snowdome, new swimming and tennis facilities and new hotels.

The start of the year saw threats to Dingleside and Ridgeway middle schools and Church Hill first schools.

was accused of scaremongering by some at the time. The end of the year sees Church Hill schools shutting and discussions taking place about the future arrangements for Dingleside and Ridgeway.

We are in the middle of a review into hospital services in the county.

From a start point of dire consequences for the Alexandra Hospital, we are moving in the right direction.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust managers and their staff are now really looking hard at how they can now keep services at the Alex.

That is thanks in no small part to the campaign in Redditch.

We must not allow services to be cut because the trust managers are unambitious about the savings they can get from working more efficiently and effectively.

This has been a dramatic year. Next year looks as if there will be more challenges and triumphs.

Happy Christmas to all the Advertiser's readers.