This has been a packed week with lots going on here in the Constituency and in Parliament.
On Monday I met with Colleagues from the Ministry of Justice. I also met with Policing Minister Kit Malthouse to discuss the current situation with GMP and Andy Burnham's failure to manage the force as Police and Crime Commissioner.
I participated in a discussion with the Prime Minister about relaxing the national lockdown. I know that this is a really important subject for everyone at the moment, so I am glad that I am able to be putting local views forward as part of that discussion.
On Tuesday I met with Matt Hancock to discuss progress of the national vaccination strategy. We are continuing to do extremely well with over 20 million people having received at least one dose of the vaccine across the UK including over 21% of the local population here in Heywood and Middleton. I also took part in the Science and Technology Select Committee.
I was pleased to welcome the Chair of the Friends of Queen's Park to my regular meeting with our local Police Inspector, to discuss policing and crime issues in the area. The group have been experiencing problems with antisocial behaviour, so I was pleased to be able to secure the commitment of the police to increase patrols in and around the park.
I participated in a discussion with Schools Minister Nick Gibb and in a discussion with the Society of Conservative Lawyers to discuss vaccination passports. I also spoke in the Chamber during the Opposition Day Debate on the Government’s Economic Record.
On Wednesday I took part in another meeting of the Science and Technology Committee and also contributed to the delegated Legislation Committee on Pensions.
Locally I launched my online consultation to find out what constituents really think about Rochdale Council’s plans to build a £1.2 million cycle land through the heart of Castleton, stripping it of parking and narrowing the road. There is still time to have your say here: https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/form/castleton-cycle-lane-survey
On Thursday I met with the Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College for an update and look ahead to the return of all student to on-site education. I had meetings with colleagues and joined a virtual meeting with Matt Hancock following the Prime Ministers roadmap announcement.
On Friday I had several meetings; with Vaccination Minister Nadhim Zahawi, my Ministry of Justice colleagues and the University of Manchester. I also had a call with the Local Government Minister to discuss investment in Heywood & Middleton and other local issues.
I was back in the constituency on Saturday and was pleased to join Bamford Ward Councillors and the Friends of Bamford Green to see the work they are doing to cultivate a community garden.
I took the opportunity to visit Queens Park where I spoke to the patrolling Police Officers, who are now making more regular visits following my meeting on Tuesday.
I met local activists in Heywood who are doing an excellent job of tackling grot sports and untidy alleyways. It’s always nice to meet these proactive community champions who are taking back control and holding the council and their inactive ward councillors to account.
I followed up on several of the areas highlighted in my recent survey on potholes, damaged roads and footpaths in need of repair. These are now being scheduled for action with highways and I will be checking on progress in the coming weeks. I have had lots of responses but do please keep them coming: https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/form/pothole-survey
I saw how new speed reduction signage is working on Norden Road, this was an issue I dealt with last year so glad to see that signage is now installed and working to slow speeding traffic, making this road safer for local people.
So, another busy week and a lot achieved. But if there is an issue that you know of or there is something that I can help you with, please do let me know. I am always happy to help and keen to get involved, visit or meet local groups. You can contact me by email at [email protected] or by calling 01706 538 262.
