So after a full week of self-isolation, I am feeling ready to get back to business and Thursday can't come soon enough. But here's a quick update on what I have been doing this week from the comfort and confines of home.
I have ensured that my votes have all been made by proxy this week, so even though I have not been able to be in Westminster the people whom I represent in Heywood and Middleton have still had their voices heard in Parliament.
There was of course news from the Chancellor about how we will be providing more support for businesses and employees who are affected by measures to help tackle coronavirus. I know that people are waiting to see the announcements tomorrow and how these will impact us here but with rates rising locally I hope that everyone will work with Government and the Council to respect any measures that are put in place to keep us all safe.
Zoom and Teams have kept me in touch this week and I have some very positive (virtual) meetings. The first of these was with one of Middleton's most iconic businesses, Vita Foam UK. The team there shared some really positive news about how they have been helping with the coronavirus crisis including their contribution to making 25,000 medical mattresses for our Nightingale Hospitals around the UK. They have also been making essential components for our ventilators and PPE. I was particularly impressed to hear about their new Vita Shield face coverings which are some of the most advanced on the market. I will be working with them to ensure that their high standards are recognised across the industry.
I was pleased to add my name to a letter by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nursery Schools calling on the Chancellor to conduct a spending review to provide a long-term funding formula for maintained nursery schools.
I also had a meeting with leaders at Rochdale Sixth Form College. Whilst this is not in my constituency they provide further education to a lot of students from Heywood, Middleton, Bamford, Castleton and Norden, so I was pleased to be invited for a discussion about how they are adapting to covid-safe education. The staff are extremely positive and their 'can do' attitude was exemplary. Their new hybrid learning system is making sure that teaching staff can work in a classroom and online at the same time. This kind of innovative thinking is helping to ensure that students are continuing to get high-quality learning and attendance rates are as high as possible.
I was pleased to hear that work had started on new play facilities at Queens Park in Heywood. I know how popular the park is and how well the park is used by local families. The new facilities will be a great addition to this already outstanding green flag park and I can't wait to see the finished job.
Last night I was so proud to see our home-grown signing singers from Sign Along With Us do so well on the Britain's Got Tallent Stage. Despite not taking to top spot I think I can safely say that Heywood, and the whole of the constituency are extremely proud of you all and your efforts have been an inspiration to a great many people.
I am continuing to keep in touch with residents via my constituency office team and if there is an issue that anyone would like to share with me please do contact my office on 01706 914 946 or email me at [email protected].
