Dear Resident,

As we come to the end of 2011 many of us will look over the past year and reflect on what has been a very busy time. I have been lucky enough to meet with many you over the past twelve months and it has been a privilege and an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament.

One of the best parts of this job is the inspirational people and organisations that I meet on a weekly basis, who are doing great work. Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow has a lot to be proud of.

But as we enter 2012 we have some key challenges ahead. Youth unemployment is a concern both nationally and in London, which is why I welcome the 51% rise in young people taking up apprentices locally. There is also increasing pressure on school places which is why I was pleased that Hounslow Schools have just received an additional £13.4 million of extra basic need so we can continue giving the best education to all young people.

One of the things that I am most excited about when looking towards 2012 is the Olympic and Paralympic Games this coming summer. Let us not forget that we were awarded these games over such landmark cities as Paris, Moscow, New York and Madrid because of our commitment to creating a lasting legacy for our young people. I am please that so many local schools will be taking part in the games, ensuring that their legacy benefits the whole of London.

Finally, I find people are most concerned about jobs and the economy and I will continue to make this my priority in 2012. This year we have seen many businesses decide to move to the area, as well as a number of home grown businesses starting up. We have also seen the Mayors Outer London fund start to have an impact on the regeneration of our local high streets and I look forward to seeing this continued in the New Year. It is the hard work, determination and optimism of local people that has allowed us to be known as a great place to do business. Long may this continue.

I wish everyone in Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow a very happy and healthy New Year.

Mary Macleod MP

Member of Parliament for Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth and Hounslow