New Year Message - Howarth

12.27.46pm GMT Wed 31st Dec 2008

Over the last year, we in Cambridge have faced many challenges, but we have shown time and again that we have a strong community spirit and determination to fight back.

We have fought to protect our health service, especially for Brookfields Hospital and for better mental health care. We must continue to defend the right of people to receive the best treatment and care available.

The 'No to Mill Road Tesco' campaign was an amazing example of Cambridge's ability to take on even the most powerful organisations and out-think and out-argue them. But we now need to move on and do more to maintain the viability of local independent shops that help to make our city so diverse.

Although the government has closed more of our post offices, the fight to re-open them is only just beginning. We have also seen the Post Office Card Account saved, much to the relief of many, and we have won the first round in the battle to get a fairer deal for private sector tenants.

On the environment, the campaign to save energy and beat climate change made giant steps forward with the move to allow local councils to set their own energy efficiency rules for new homes, and Cambridge people were prominent in the national campaign that resulted in the Climate Change Act.

Cambridge has also played a central role in the national fight to preserve our political freedoms from excessive government interference, especially in the campaign against ID cards.

There is still much work to be done, but by making the most of the talent and dedication we have in this city, there is much that we can achieve.

I would like to thank you for your support over the last 12 months and wish you a Happy New Year.