Council leaders look ahead to 2020 in Christmas message

With Christmas Day only round the corner, leaders across the region have shared messages of reflection, hope, and joy.

Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council

"With Christmas just a day away and 2019 drawing to a close, I’ve been reflecting on a fantastic few months since becoming council leader in May. It’s a privilege to hold this position and I’m so proud of the excellent services the council provides. I’m also super excited about our city’s future as we look ahead to 2020 – it’s going to be a massive year and an opportunity to shine.

"When I was elected leader, I said one of my most important priorities is to get more good jobs and investment. There’s been real progress recently – the success of our ebay retail revival partnership and new manufacturing jobs at i54 are testament to this - but 2020 promises to be our breakthrough year.

"You can see our revamped railway station becoming a reality - the first phase is open to the public in early 2020. This transport interchange is critical for a modern and ambitious city like ours and the station’s links to the metro extension as well as the bus station will make sure we have better connectivity and more opportunity for people who live and work here.

"And getting our leisure offer spot on is vital too. Our Civic Halls will get a kick start in the New Year with our new contractor, Willmott Dixon, starting on site at this iconic venue. They’re one of the leading companies in their field, with a strong regional and local presence, which means more good jobs and opportunities for local people.

"So, 2020 promises to be fantastic year for our city. On behalf of everyone at the council, I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and a wonderful year ahead."

Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council

"Dudley borough is the historic capital of the Black Country with a proud tradition of supporting local people and businesses and celebrating diversity. That is never more true than at Christmas when we see community groups and charities working to make sure everyone can mark the festive season.

"The support for our town centres and local businesses continues as well, as people head to the shops for their last-minute Christmas presents.

"I would urge people to shop local wherever they can. Our Dudley Deal initiative ensures we do all we can to support people, whether they are helping in their communities or at work, and that is something that will help build a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous borough for the year ahead.”

Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council

“I hope everyone in our community has the chance to enjoy Christmas with family and friends and look forward to a happy New Year.

“But thank you to all those who will give their time during the festive period to help others – bringing company to people who feel isolated, ensuring the vulnerable are cared for, as well as all those working to keep vital services going.

“I appreciate the support I have been given from our residents, organisations and businesses across the borough and I hope together we will bring prosperity and success to the community in 2020.”

Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council

"I would like to thank those individuals and groups who give up their time at Christmas and throughout the year to help others in our communities. They are all helping make a real difference to people’s lives while helping make Staffordshire the wonderful place that it is. I do hope everyone has the chance to spend some quality time with family and friends over the festive period."

Yvonne Davies, leader of Sandwell Council

"Merry Christmas to all. May 2020 be a year we come together and work for the benefit of everyone in our community. We are stronger and we enjoy life more when we all cooperate."

Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council

"I am delighted to pass on season’s greetings to all the residents of Walsall and offer my best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas. In 2020, we will continue to work in partnership with our residents, communities and businesses to ensure that Walsall is a great place to live, learn, work and invest – a place to be proud of! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase Council

"Christmas is a busy time of the year as we all know. It also provides an opportunity to reflect in recent events and achievements as a New Year beckons, something many of us will do individually.

"As we look forward to the festivities, I just want to highlight a number of key projects happening in our district that will dominate the Council’s work during the year ahead.

"They include: next autumn’s opening of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands and with it 1,000 new jobs; the completion of the demolition of Rugeley power station in 2020 including the demolition of the iconic towers, alongside the first planning decision to be made on the future of the site; Work starting on a new cemetery for the district which will be located alongside a new crematorium that will open in 2020; testing the market for a new cinema and eating outlets scheme in Cannock town centre; and building affordable homes across three sites in the District, following approval of the council’s £12.8million Housing Investment Fund.

On behalf of the council and all of its hard working and community minded councillors and employees I want to wish all residents a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Most of all I hope that you have a peaceful and relaxing break!"