Kemi Badenoch MP updates her constituents on community issues and news
Dear Residents
Firstly I would like to congratulate our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst on his re-election last week. Spring is upon us and it has been a busy few weeks in Parliament with the passing of Safety of Rwanda Act which has now received Royal Assent, my recent statement on the latest trade figures and Business and Trade oral questions.
Locally, I have been hearing from those impacted by National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury pylon proposals following the launch of the statutory consultation. Last month National Grid ESO published their report on the electricity infrastructure across East Anglia – analysing both onshore and offshore options which National Grid are yet to advise their next steps on.
I continue to work closely with neighbouring MPs to raise concerns with both National Grid and ministerial colleagues regarding the pylon proposals – I am urging residents impacted to make sure they respond to the consultation and will be providing regular updates to those that have written to me.
You may have seen my recent article in The Sunday Times following the publication of Dr Hilary Cass’s independent review of gender identity services for children and young people. Dr Cass has made important recommendations that largely focused on managing the NHS services better, but we must address the underlying problem of ideological capture, something I am committed to as the Minister for Women and Equalities.
I also attended the CityUK International Conference last month, where I gave a speech on how smart regulation creates growth, which you can listen to here.
And finally I launched a Community Champions award to help recognise those who go above and beyond for our communities across Chelmsford and Uttlesford. You can view information on how to nominate someone on my website.
As always if you have any issues or concerns, you can email me at kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk and my team and I will be available to help.
Government investment in local GP phonelines
12 More patients across the constituency will be able to get through to their GP thanks to new phone technology.
Backed by £240 million of Government investment, 92% of GP surgeries across the country now use a digital system to answer calls – a key part of the our GP access recovery plan.
Three GP surgeries here in our constituency are upgrading their systems:
- ◦Thaxted Surgery
- ◦Little Waltham & Great Notley Surgery
- ◦Writtle Surgery
This will significantly help tackle the 8am rush to book an appointment and allow local residents to contact their GP more easily and quickly.
The Government is doubling the NHS’s investment in tech and digital transformation, with an extra £3.4 billion announced at the Spring Budget, and has also committed up to £645 million in the plan to better utilise community pharmacies.
I am keen to hear from residents who are experiencing issues with accessing a GP appointment so I can feedback to the Integrated Care Boards that are responsible for planning health services locally. So if you are having issues, please get in touch.
Visit to Café Cornell in Saffron Walden
I had an excellent visit to Café Cornell in Saffron Walden recently – a cafe which is helping to tackle social isolation in the community.
Café Cornell is part of the Enterprise East group, which helps local residents gain transferable skills and supports them once they are in employment. Last year they won a King’s Award for their brilliant voluntary work.
The group runs a variety of community outreach events from Meet-up Mondays – where anyone can drop in, to a ‘Memory Lane’ cafe for those living with dementia. The singing group was in full swing when I visited!
Thank you to Enterprise East founder Samantha McReynolds and everyone at Café Cornell for being so welcoming showing me around.
You can visit cafecornell.co.uk to learn more about how you can support the group, or even better pop in for a sandwich, hot meal, or even a signature afternoon tea!
Helping to resolve byway issues in Great Canfield and High Easter
I met with parish councillors in Great Canfield and High Easter recently to discuss issues along byways through the villages.
With the cold and wet weather, byways tend to become unusable, flooded and vehicles get stuck.
I will be taking up the issue, that is a problem across the constituency with Cllr Susan Barker and the relevant bodies.
Supermarket surgery in Saffron Walden
Thank you to all those who came over to chat at my supermarket surgery in Saffron Walden.
Residents raised concerns on both local and national issues, from pavement parking to online internet safety for children – some casework to take away and will be feeding back to ministerial colleagues!
Visit to farm in Great Leighs
I met with farm manager Spencer Gunnacles of Lowley farm to discuss sugar beet production, pesticides, rural broadband and the impact of National Grid’s pylon proposals on local farmers and land owners.
I know there is strong feeling locally about the pylon proposals and I continue to represent concerns directly to National Grid and ministerial colleagues.
I continue to urge residents impacted to respond to the statutory consultation which can be found here.
Issues with local bus services
UTTLESFORD BUS SERVICES – 301, 316/318, 319/320/321
Following Central Connect’s decision to withdraw the above services, Essex County Council (ECC) have worked incredibly quickly with other operators to ensure as many services as possible can run..
I remain in touch with Cllr Cunningham, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and will continue to share updates.
Any further issues or concerns, do email me at kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk
Supporting Ashdon Windmill
Thank you to trustees of the Ashdon Windmill Trust Cllr John Moran, Kevin Nicholas and Bill Wilsdon for my tour the historic Bragg’s Mill.
The windmill was built in 1757 by a carpenter from Ashdon, and was a commercial mill until 1912. Since then it has been repaired and restored over the years by local residents. However, more work is needed, and the Trust is looking to apply for a heritage grant so that the windmill can receive the new coat of paint it needs.
The windmill is open on the 2nd Sunday of each month between April and September, and it’s well worth a visit to see a beautifully built piece of historic machinery.
Thank you to John, Kevin and Bill, and the rest of the trustees for their hard work and dedication in restoring a piece of vital local heritage that remains of such importance to the wider community. I look forward to supporting where I can.
Discussing local issues in Hadstock
A useful meeting with Hadstock parish councillors in the village hall to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the village and the wider community.
Roads and transport are a big issue for residents in Hadstock, particularly potholes and heavy vehicles travelling through the village.
The Government has allocated £121 million to Essex County Council for road repairs and resurfacing – I will be working alongside Cllr John Moran to ensure works are being done in Hadstock and surrounding villages.
New mobile post office in Newport
Following the closure of the Newport post office branch, I have been pressing for a new location to be identified to restore services to the community.
Welcome news that a new mobile service will soon be operating outside Waterloo House on High Street from 7th May.
More details can be found here: www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/finchingfield-mobile-services-cm7-4ls-149114_/
Platinum School Games
As part of the Government’s ‘Get Active’ scheme, which aims to ensure children get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, schools across our constituency have been awarded the ‘Platinum School Games Mark’ award.
They include:
- ◦Bentfield Primary School
- ◦Clavering Primary School
- ◦New Hall School
- ◦Radwinter Primary School
- ◦St Thomas More in Saffron Walden
The Government has recognised our excellent schools focused on encouraging exercise, and this is alongside the £600 million announced to boost schools sports.
Well done to all involved!