This week has seen students across the country head back to school after the summer break with many starting new schools as they leave their primary’s to start their secondary school careers. I would like to wish you all the best of luck in this next step.
Alongside schools across the country, Parliament has also returned this week following the summer recess. Recess has been a great opportunity to spend some more time at home in the constituency and enjoy all our great towns and villages have to offer, from Warwickshire Pride to the odd cycle ride through our countryside.
I couldn’t fail to mention the incredible achievements of our local Lioness Jess Carter who played in her first world cup last month and got through to the final. It was fantastic to see Warwick represented out there in Australia and particularly represented so well by Jess. It’s clear the Lionesses have inspired another generation of footballers. I know so many will join me in congratulating Jess and looking forward to seeing her in many more world cups to come.
We’ve had some brilliant sport happening locally over the past few weeks with the Bowls England National Finals taking place in Victoria Park. I popped down myself and saw what a fantastic turnout it had and the great atmosphere in the park. Congratulations to all those who took part.
An issue that I know has concerned many people locally over the past few months is the proposed closure of our ticket offices at Leamington, Warwick and Warwick Parkway. It’s clear this will leave passengers worse off and without the much-valued support of the ticket office staff at all the stations. The strength of feeling about this has been shown by the over 1,100 people who signed my petition and others who have submitted their thoughts to the consultation. I hope our voices and calls are not ignored by the Government.
Now Parliament is sitting again, I’ve had the chance to present the petition that nearly 1,000 residents signed against the attempt to annex Warwickshire into the West Midlands Combined Authority by the Conservative leadership of both the Combined Authority and our County Council. The behind closed doors discussion and plan was firmly rejected by so many of us and I’m proud our campaign halted the plans. I hope presenting this petition to Parliament further confirms our opposition to these deeply flawed plans.
Finally, I am aware from several constituents that they are having issues receiving their post from Royal Mail with people missing hospital letters among other things. I know how frustrating this must be, both for those missing out on getting their post and the postal workers who are working hard to deliver the service. If you are having issues, please do get in touch with me so it can be raised with Royal Mail.
As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached on [email protected] or on 01926 882006.