West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today set out her New Year resolutions and has put rural broadband, business and flood defences at the top of her wish list for progress in 2013. The MP is convinced that planning to help improve broadband speed connections will help her constituents and the local economy. Harriett has been an active campaigner for rural broadband improvements and will shortly set out plans for an event to help rural communities get access to support in this vital venture. Harriett also confirmed that her work trying to secure permanent flood defences in Tenbury will continue as part of her high priority list in 2013. She will also keep up pressure on the insurance industry and the Government as they negotiate a national deal on flood insurance. Harriett commented: “Faster broadband is a critical piece of infrastructure to help Worcestershire succeed in the global economic race. “In 2013, I am expecting more homes and businesses in Malvern and Pershore to get superfast broadband. “The County Council will also start distributing funds to help rural parishes. Constituents need to register their interest in this on the County Council website and with their internet provider. “Getting decent broadband connections into our local homes and businesses is vital to allow more businesses to start-up and grow. “Since I was elected, six different flood defence schemes costing almost £9 million have been built in West Worcestershire, protecting hundreds of homes. “One further feasible scheme is in Tenbury Wells and I will continue to lobby for funding to enable this scheme to go ahead. “I will also do everything I can to help local businesses succeed, creating jobs and tax revenues. “I will also have weekly advice surgeries across the constituency, so that I can be accessible to constituents who need my help.”