Mike O'Brien

The constituency of North Warwickshire includes the large town of Bedworth and a number of smaller industrial towns and villages such as Atherstone, Coleshill, Polesworth and Arley. The local economy is strong unemployment has fallen from 11% when Mike was elected to 2% now.

Economy

Mike at Daw Mill

Mike at Hams Hall

Mike at freight terminal opening

The economy of the area was once reliant on coal and manufacturing industry. Pit and manufacturing closures in the 1980's saw these industries decimated and nowadays the only mine left in the area is Daw Mill at Arley. The Mine employs about 600 people.

Since 1997 in line with the national economy North Warwickshire has shared the success of a strong and buoyant labour market with falling unemployment in North Warwickshire. Mike has actively supported local manufacturing and service industries and worked hard to deliver hundreds of jobs at Business Parks at Hams Hall near Coleshill, Birch Coppice near Dordon and Prologis Park near Bedworth.

Successes include the most modern engine plant at Hams Hall BMW producing the engine for the new Mini Cooper bringing 250 new jobs to the local community. The plant now employs over 1000 workers.

The old colliery site at Birch Coppice Business Park has also seen an economic boost with the opening of a new freight terminal.

Tourism

North Warwickshire and Bedworth has a lot to offer visitors to the area.

The Alms Houses, Parsonage Project and Civic Hall in Bedworth and in North Warwickshire Boudacea's last battle ground, the world's largest maze, water parks, brilliant golf clubs, Dobbies Garden World, children's farms, Museums and Heritage Centres are some of the attractions.

Click here for more tourist information.

Community

North Warwickshire and Bedworth has a great sense of identity. Mike is always keen to encourage and support his community. Traditions are important and every year Founders Day is celebrated as 'Bunday' when the local Church school children are given currant buns and half a day off school!

Handing out Buns on Bedworth Bun Day	Helping clean the local beauty spot in Bedworth with former Mayor Councillor Tony Lloyd	Mike judging the "Athercrufts!"

Local beauty spots such as the Nook in Bedworth bring all the community together, with young and old pitching in to help clean up conservation areas.

The Atherstone Fun Day has grown year on year and Atherstone's "Athercrufts" always bring in the crowds at the end of the fun packed day. Mike has been the regular judge at the annual event which takes place in Atherstone Market Square.