THIS time of year is a time filled with possibilities and new beginnings, as we reflect back over the year that has passed and look ahead to the year that is just starting.

2015 was certainly a busy year which simply flew by in a whirlwind of constituency business, activity in Westminster and of course the General Election back in May, where I was delighted and honoured to be returned as your MP for my third term.

As ever, 2015 saw setbacks and successes at both a local and a national level, with significant challenges facing the UK, many of which had a huge impact on my constituents; such as the effect that milk prices have on the many dairy farmers across Torridge and West Devon, and the reaction to the crisis in Syria which has seen a huge split between those who favour the UK being at the forefront of the international response and those who are completely against this.

Locally we have felt the threat of a proliferation of wind turbines across West Devon, the closure of the outreach Job Centre service in Tavistock, further threats to the farming and tourism industries on which many of us heavily rely, and the ongoing problems we face due to limited transport connections and poor road conditions.

In contrast, however, there have also been many encouraging developments; such as the increase in the number of small businesses being set up in the constituency due to additional funding being made available, a significant drop in unemployment, and also the number of signatures received on my petition for rural roads, which signifies the huge desire that people have to make a positive difference to the local area.

In addition, while we have experienced a number of uncertainties during its introduction, the announcement by the Government in June regarding new measures to ensure that local communities have the final say over planning decisions for onshore turbines, has enabled me to bring further pressure to bear on the Secretary of State to try and bring about a definitive shift in the way in which wind turbine planning applications are decided upon — a discussion which I will continue until such changes are implemented.

Add to this the extraordinary community spirit that is seen daily in our towns and villages, and the ongoing work of inspirational local charities and volunteer organisations, and it is clear that there are grounds for optimism that our efforts can make a difference!

I wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year and I look forward to working with you in 2016.