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.
