Ipswich BMX track
Was great to be at Ipswich BMX track yesterday on Landseer Park. It’s grand reopening after months of work to redevelop the track. It’s been transformed making the track an even greater asset to the local community and Town as a whole.
Tracey Reeve and others have done a great job leading the fundraising efforts. British Cycling made the major contribution here and it was clear when I met with them how much importance they place on supporting grass roots clubs such as Ipswich BMX Club. Ipswich Borough Council also made a contribution and the hope is that the £25 million we got as part of the Town Deal can also make a small contribution to further enhance the facilities.
Clearly excellent resources such as Ipswich BMX track are great from the perspective of encouraging physical exercise but it also gives young people in the area something very positive to get involved in and aspire towards. Potentially even keeping them out of trouble.
As you will know, the track sits at the heart of the Gainsborough community where there are pockets of significant deprivation.
Meeting Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh
Haven’t really had any opportunities to meet significant political figures from around the world since I got elected. However today I was pleased to be able to meet with the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh along with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner here in the UK.
The Foreign Secretary from Bangladesh has been in the UK for a series of meetings with members of the Government and I was invited to meet with him as the Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh.
As you all know we have a significant Bangladeshi community here in Ipswich so I’ve shown an interest. I was very pleased to be able to talk to them both about the brilliant contributions made by the Bangladeshi community here in Ipswich and my role as an Ambassador for BSC Multicultural Services. The High Commissioner is planning to make a visit to Ipswich in the not too distant future.
Bangladesh is also an increasingly dynamic country economically and there are many benefits for the UK linked to increased trade and cooperation.
St Francis Tower raised at PMQs
Today, at Prime Minister’s Questions I raised the issue of St Francis Tower with the Prime Minister. I highlighted to him the condition of St Francis Tower, with shrink wrap being placed along the entirety of it leaving many in darkness. I also raised the issue of bars across resident’s windows preventing them from being properly opened and added that this could be the case for up to 12 months.
I understand the need for the work to take place but it must be balanced with the mental health and well-being of the residents. I am glad the Prime Minister shared my concerns and I will be providing him with further details to study. I also look forward to urgently meeting with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to discuss how we can address this awful situation.
I am also meeting with both Block Management and Oander Ltd next Tuesday with an expectation that many of our actions from our last meeting have been carried out.
PET THEFT REFORM
Plenty of times as an MP when you feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall. Pleased that after a long campaign it certainly seems like we’ve got a successful outcome.
From my own perspective this started with me leading a debate in Parliament on the matter and then holding meetings with Government Ministers to push for change. It all culminated in me and Iain Duncan Smith MP tabling amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would have led to pet theft being made a specific offence in law. Very pleased that the Government have listened and have moved to where we were.
For too long pet theft has been a high reward low risk crime leading in heartbreak for thousands of pet owners over the past couple of years. I very much hope that by significantly increasing the punishment for those found guilty we can help turn the tide.
LOCAL SHOPPING PARADE FUND
Good meeting with Azzouz El-Mahraoui earlier this week to discuss the new shopping parade regeneration scheme that has been funded via the £25 million Town Deal. Azzouz will be heading up the taskforce that will manage the scheme.
There will be around £2 million available to invest in supporting shopping parades across the Town. The taskforce will have its first meeting soon where it will be drawing up the process for how the money is distributed.
I’m very keen to ensure that the money is distributed to every corner of the Town and as soon as possible.
There will be extensive public consultation as part of the scheme. I will post more details when I know more.
Chantry Community Charity
Fantastic lunch this afternoon at the multiple award winning Codfellas in Chantry. Every other week that goes by Ozzie and his team seem to receive another reward recognising their fantastic produce.
Main reason for visiting was to discuss the Chantry Community Charity that he has established to raise money for important local causes. There is a box in Codfellas but Ozzie is now looking to distribute them across Chantry. I understand the Kingfisher will be getting hold of some soon.
Two great reasons to donate. There is a promise that every penny is spent on good causes and that every penny will be spent in Chantry.
Stone Lodge Lane West Resurfacing
Very pleased with the resurfacing work that has been carried out on Stone Lodge Lane West. When I carried out a transport survey in Chantry last year Sheldrake Drive and Stone Lodge Lane West came up as the the two biggest issues. Very pleased they have both now need addressed. Two of the worst road surfaces in Ipswich now two of the best.
Both myself and the new team of Conservative councillors in Chantry will continue to work hard to address other road and pavement quality issues in Chantry.
Suffolk Young People’s Health Project
Visited 4YP (Suffolk Young People’s Health Project) yesterday on Lower Brook Street. It does great work as a local charity coordinating services that improve the social, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing of young people in Suffolk, aged 12-25.
Enjoyed meeting the young people there and learning more about what they’ve been up to and how the programme has been working. Was tasked with listing all 50 US states on the white board, got to 46.
It is one of the many providers in Ipswich working as part of the Holiday Activity and Food Programme.
Inspire Centre
For the second summer in a row I visited the Inspire Centre on Lindbergh Road today. . Last summer Ipswich was a pilot for the Holiday activities and food programme and now its been extended across the country its back again this summer.
Eligible children are entitled to 15 days of food and activities over the summer holiday. I was very pleased when the Government announced their intention to turn the pilots into a more permanent scheme and that the great work I saw last summer could be continued.
I think its important that as many young people as possible many who have missed lots of time at school are able to benefit from these sorts of activities and programmes. Good for both physical and mental health, learning and of course they get a nutritious meal.
Well done to everyone at Inspire Suffolk who is working so hard to make this happen. And the goalie who managed to save 2/3 of my questionable penalties.
Special Educational Needs
I am very pleased to have received this reply from the Prime Minister, following my letter on better support for prisoner education and an increase in recognition on the link between special educational needs (SEN) and crime. I am glad that since my original letter to the Prime Minister, where I outlined the importance of SEN education and cutting crime, I have held promising talks in Number 10 with key advisors on this vital issue. I am also encouraged by the positive engagement shown by the Prime Minister in the form of this detailed response.
While the Prime Minister’s letter does not go quite as far as I would like, it is encouraging that he recognises the connection between prisoners and the support for students with SEND.
I think it is vitally important that all prisoners have a meeting with an educational psychologist and receive any diagnosis for learning conditions, in order for us to fully understand the large scale of the problem and of course to be able to tailor prison education to their needs. I will continue to work hard for this end goal. We must make sure that the education system supports all styles of learning and does not marginalise students who ignore school and are more likely to turn to a life of crime.
This letter is a positive step and I hope that it elevates the importance of SEND and increased funding. I will continue my important work on the Education Select Committee on this subject and will endeavour to see action is taken over the coming months.