As we get into our regular patterns once again, we are reminded of the importance of being able to get around easily, aided by good local infrastructure and effective local transport.

Especially important for many of my constituents – not least those resident in our area’s more rural locations – is our local bus network.

That's why it was vital that we secured the future of 23 routes that were threatened by Stagecoach around this time last year.

More than that, though, I am determined to see services extended to underserved areas in my constituency.

For instance, I am aware of the need in Isleham for better bus connections between both Ely and Newmarket, which is currently served by the No.112 bus – operated by Stephensons of Essex.

I recently wrote to Stephensons and the Mayor to request that the current route, which services nearby Soham and Fordham, be extended to include the village.

I also put a number of other points to the Mayor in my recent submission to his Local Transport and Connectivity Plan public consultation, which ended last Thursday (January 11).

These included signalling my full support for East Cambridgeshire District Council’s ‘New Bus Service Proposals’ prospectus, which, if implemented, would connect villages like Burwell with Ely directly, and reduce reliance on the Ely Zipper in villages like Haddenham, Witchford and Wentworth.

I am pleased that the Mayor outlined his intention to allocate some of the £2.3 million additional government bus funding towards one of these routes in an upcoming trial scheme, but I was disappointed with his programme more broadly.

There was a distinct lack of detail on new and improved bus services – demonstrating that he lacks a coherent plan – and his unspecified improvements would be paid for by an eye-watering 200 per cent rise to council tax.

In addition to buses, I am focusing on improving our local roads – whether it be by pushing for the delivery of A10 upgrades after the ongoing options study is concluded, campaigning for an urgent safe crossing at the BP Roundabout in Witchford for those using the active travel routes, or targeting HGV traffic and vehicle speeds along the A1421 in Haddenham.

It is also clear to me that the development of our rail network will be crucial to achieving sustainable economic growth in the coming years.

That’s why I have been campaigning for the expansion of services in East Cambridgeshire, including through the Ely Area Capacity Enhancements (which recently won government backing) and the reinstatement of the Newmarket Curve.

I look forward to working on these initiatives and many others in the year ahead to create a better connected South East Cambridgeshire.