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‘I’ll Fight for Beaches, Health, and Young People’s Futures’

For Dan Aldridge, Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare, his connection to the town was no mere choice—it was fate.

Arriving as a teenager when his father’s job moved the family to Sand Bay, Dan recalls humble beginnings: “Like many new arrivals, we landed in a caravan,” he says. Public transport was unreliable, with buses he rarely caught, and evenings often ended with long walks along the Toll Road. Though life was far from glamorous, it was home. Student nights were fueled by part-time jobs waiting tables and stacking shelves, with just enough for entry to local nightclubs like Time, Sands, or Hobbits.

These formative experiences cemented Dan’s bond with the community. He attended Weston College, worked at Homebase and in his mother’s café, and spent countless hours on the windswept beaches during winter. Even after leaving for university, Weston remained his safe haven, pulling him back almost every weekend.

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Eventually, Dan returned permanently—not just from nostalgia, but from a belief in Weston’s untapped potential. “Weston has something special,” he states, openly acknowledging the town’s challenges: from young people feeling forced to leave in search of opportunities to the urgent need for better local services.

Since taking office as MP, Dan has concentrated on delivering real change. He has campaigned vigorously to improve water quality at Weston, Sand Bay, and Uphill beaches. Engaging hands-on, he participates in local litter picks, calling the experience “therapeutic.” Additionally, he partners with police and community safety teams to address antisocial behavior.

Improving public health remains a core focus. Alarmed to learn that 37% of five-year-olds in Weston suffer from tooth decay—significantly higher than the national average—Dan has advocated for targeted dental care and comprehensive school programs to reverse this worrying trend.

Healthcare access has also seen progress, with technology reducing GP waiting times and increasing the availability of appointments. Yet Dan pushes beyond surface fixes, championing critical issues like men’s mental health and comprehensive women’s healthcare.

A practical improvement Dan is championing is installing lift access at Weston train station. “It’s about inclusion,” he says. “Everyone—whether wheelchair users, those with special educational needs, or anyone needing extra support—should have equal access to opportunities.”

Dan recognizes the community’s deep mistrust rooted in years of bureaucratic setbacks. But he believes consistent, visible progress is the only way to rebuild confidence.

He is especially passionate about empowering young people. Last year, Dan launched Weston’s inaugural Summer School at the Grand Pier, connecting students with leaders in technology and the creative industries. “I want to break the stereotype of what an MP is,” he explains. “I’m not here to make empty promises—I’m here to deliver.”

His vision extends to revitalizing the local economy. Dan has engaged with small business owners, supported hospitality venues, and advocated for increased investment in creative sectors—not only for their cultural significance but also for their economic impact on Weston’s future.

For Dan, this work goes beyond politics. “Weston doesn’t need a rebrand,” he asserts. “It needs dedicated champions who will stand up for our corner of England with passion and conviction.” He remains aware that negative voices exist but chooses to focus on hope and progress.

“I’ve always loved Weston,” he reflects. “Now, I have the privilege of fighting for it in ways I never imagined.”

While challenges remain, Dan’s message to his constituents is clear: the future is bright, and it depends on all of us working together to make it so.

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