2013 has been a busy year here in Leeds North West.

Whilst it has continued to be a challenging time for many as a result of the economic crisis, it’s very encouraging to see the economy now growing again.

Increased business confidence has been reflected locally, as I discovered from my Local Business Survey. More than 80 per cent of the businesses that took part expect their prospects to improve or stay the same over the next 12 months.

I was delighted to support the Otley BID and eagerly anticipate the improvements that this initiative will bring in 2014.

Residents in Pool-in-Wharfedale, Bramhope, Yeadon and Otley are horrified by proposals to develop on greenfield and Green Belt sites. We need to fight to protect these and ensure that any development in the area is appropriate, acceptable to the community and brings positive benefits.

Unfortunately Suffolk Court, Yeadon’s only council care home, is being closed by Leeds City Council, but as a result of the work of Save Suffolk Court Group we have a guarantee that current residents can remain there.

I’ve continued to work with the family of Jamie Still, who was tragically killed in 2010, to call for better justice for victims of criminal driving and their families. Earlier this year I joined Jamie’s family to hand in a 13,000 strong petition to Downing Street which called for drink drivers to have their licences immediately revoked.

I was at the forefront of the campaign which achieved the first beer duty cut since 1959 and I was pleased to be named the CAMRA Parliamentarian of the Year. As Otley Pub Club president, I was delighted to launch the Historic Otley Ale Trail which has helped to boost trade in Otley’s pubs.

We look forward to a focus on cycling in 2014 with the Tour de France zooming through our towns and villages in July, which will be great for the area.

I will continue to work for the good of the area and the country as a whole. I wish you all a merry Christmas and all the best for 2014.