Welcome to this week's newsletter.
I hope you've been enjoying the summer so far. We've certainly had some wonderful weather, and I hope you've had the chance to make the most of it
In this week's newsletter, you'll find an update on why I believe the Government's changes to its early release scheme still don't go far enough to protect victims.
We also have good news on progress towards a new Banking Hub in Bexhill and the latest on my work to secure a replacement cashpoint for Battle.
I'm also excited to be launching my new Community Conversation events, giving residents across the constituency the opportunity to meet with me and discuss the issues that matter most to them. I know getting to my office in Bexhill isn't easy for everyone. Alongside that, preparations continue for my Live Well, Age Well Fair, and I'm delighted by the fantastic response from local organisations who have signed up to take part.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter, and for keeping in touch with the issues that matter to you.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter includes:
- Early release changes don't go far enough
- Shoutout to Vernon and Kathy Findlay
- Bexhill Carnival
- Health and Wellbeing Walk
- Community Conversations
- Live Well, Age Well Fair
- Battle Cashpoint Update
- Good News for Bexhill
- Read Holly's work experience report
- Traffic Report
Early release changes don't go far enough
Over recent months, I have warned that the Government's plans to release offenders earlier from prison would put victims at risk.
Following pressure from victims, campaigners and the Opposition, the Government has now changed course and announced that some of those convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming offences will no longer be included in the early release scheme.
That is welcome, but it doesn't go far enough.
Some child sex offenders who fall outside those exclusions are still set to benefit from earlier release. Those responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper also remain eligible for early release under the Government's plans.
Victims should never have had to face the uncertainty of wondering whether those who abused them, or those responsible for the deaths of their loved ones, would have their sentences cut short.
I'll continue pressing the Government to go further and ensure that dangerous offenders serve the sentences the courts intended, with victims' interests at the heart of our justice system.
Shoutout to Vernon and Kathy Findlay
Last weekend, I was out knocking on doors and speaking to local residents. It was nice to run into Vernon and Kathy Findlay.
Through making and selling handcrafted planters and other wooden items, Vernon and Kathy have now raised an incredible £36,454 for local charities, supporting organisations including Bexhill Foodbank, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, Homecall and the Friends of Lossie Long.
What a fantastic achievement and a real example of community spirit in action.
Thank you both for everything you’re doing to support such worthwhile local causes.
Bexhill Carnival
I enjoyed being at the Bexhill Carnival recently!
As well as enjoying the fantastic atmosphere, I joined the Bexhill Neighbourhood Board to speak with residents about how they think the town’s £20 million investment should be spent.
It was great to hear so many ideas about the future of Bexhill and what matters most to local people. Thank you to everyone who stopped for a chat, and to all those who helped organise another brilliant carnival.
Health and Wellbeing Walk
It was a pleasure to join the Health and Wellbeing walk hosted by the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Bexhill and Hastings recently.
Every Friday morning 10-11, the Ramblers host a Health and Wellbeing Walk starting from behind the De La Warr Pavilion. You don’t need to register – just come along ready to walk and make friends!
I am proud of to support community organisations across Bexhill and Battle that play an important role in promoting health, wellbeing and social inclusion. I welcomed the opportunity to chat with the walkers about the importance of the walk in helping them make friends in the community whilst keeping active.
The walk is free to attend and open to anyone if you would be interested in joining them.
Thank you to the Ramblers for inviting me along!
Community Conversations
I'm launching a new series of Community Conversation events across our Bexhill and Battle constituency, giving residents the opportunity to meet with me, raise concerns and discuss the issues that matter most to them.
The first event will take place in the Northiam, Beckley, Brede area on Thursday 13th August, and I would be delighted to hear from residents from the surrounding villages.
Whether you want to discuss a local issue, ask about national policy or simply share your views, these events are an opportunity to have your voice heard.
For security reasons, the venue will only be shared with those who register in advance.
To register your interest, please contact my office:
01424 736861
I look forward to meeting as many local residents as possible and hope to see you there.
Live Well, Age Well Fair
I'm delighted by the fantastic response we've received from local charities, community groups, businesses and organisations wanting to be part of my Live Well, Age Well Fair. The event is focused on activities and local services particularly tailored for those over 55
With more than 50 organisations already signed up, the event is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity for local people to discover the support, services and activities available to help them live well and age well.
Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing more details about the event, including the workshops, guest speakers, demonstrations and activities that will be on offer.
Watch this space - I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a fantastic community event.
Battle Cashpoint Update
Many constituents will know that I have been working closely with LINK to secure a replacement 24/7 cashpoint for Battle High Street following the closure of the Costa Coffee site. I am pleased that I was able to secure agreement that Battle should receive a replacement cashpoint, but finding the right location has taken time.
LINK came forward with a number of possible sites. However, some were away from the main High Street and others would not have provided access seven days a week. I pushed back on these options and urged LINK to keep looking, because once a replacement cashpoint had been installed elsewhere, it would have been much harder to make the case for a more central and accessible location.Finding a suitable site has been challenging, with factors such as the loss of retail space, planning requirements and access all needing to be considered. However, we now have a further option, which I first suggested to LINK and which I believe would provide an excellent solution in the right location for residents, businesses and visitors.
The site is currently undergoing the necessary surveys and assessments. Once these have been completed, I will be able to provide a fuller update. I look forward to sharing more news as soon as I can.
Good News for Bexhill
Plans have now been submitted for the new Banking Hub in Devonshire Road, marking an important step towards restoring face-to-face banking services in the town.
Since Santander announced it was closing its Bexhill branch, I've been pressing for a Banking Hub to ensure residents and businesses continue to have access to cash and in-person banking. I also met with Cash Access UK to discuss bringing the hub to a suitable town centre location.
This is a welcome milestone, but there is still more to do. I'll continue working with Cash Access UK and other partners to help bring the Banking Hub into operation as quickly as possible.
At the same time, I'm continuing to press the Post Office for firm guarantees on the future of Bexhill Post Office, including its location, the services it will provide and ensuring there is no gap in provision for local residents.
I'll keep you updated as both projects progress.
Read Holly's work experience report
Throughout the summer, I was pleased to welcome a number of local students for work experience in both my constituency office and Westminster.
Giving young people the opportunity to experience Parliament first-hand is something I feel strongly about. During their placements, students spent time with my constituency team, learning how we support residents, deal with casework and organise campaigns, before visiting Westminster to gain an insight into the day-to-day work of an MP and how Parliament operates.
One of this summer's students, Holly, has written about her experience and what she learnt during her placement. I hope you'll enjoy reading her account of life behind the scenes in Parliament. You can read it here.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in finding out more about work experience in Parliament, the House of Commons has also launched its Virtual Work Experience Programme, giving young people aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to explore how Parliament works and the wide range of careers available - find out more by clicking here.
Traffic Report
Please note that this information is provided by third parties.
Bexhill
- Cooden Sea Road: 19 August to 21 August
- Rotherfield Avenue: 18 August, 8.00am to 20 August, 5.00pm
- Western Road: 6 August to 7 August
- Eversley Road: 9 April, 9.45am to 31 August, 11.59pm
Sedlescombe
- Chapel Hill: 8 August to 7 September
Telham
- Telham Lane: 17 August, 8.00am to 21 August, 5.00pm
Brightling
- Long Reach: 17 August to 29 August
Ninfield
- Moons Hill: 18 August, 8.00am to 6.00pm
Battle
- Netherfield Road: 24 July, 7.08am to 13 August, 11.59pm
Cripps Corner
- Cripps Corner Road: 3 August, 6.00pm to 7 August, 6.00am
Bodiam
- Bodiam Road: 10 August, 8.00am to 14 August, 5.00pm
Northiam
- Church Lane: 13 August, midnight to 14 August, 1.00am
Peasmarsh
- Bridge Place: 16 July, 7.30pm to 22 September, 11.59pm
Westfield
- Workhouse Lane: 6 August, 11.35am to 10 August, 11.59pm
- Cottage Lane: 10 August, 8.00am to 14 August, 6.00pm
Whatlington
- Whatlington Road: 24 July to 22 September
Netherfield
- Netherfield Road: 24 July to 13 August
Flimwell
- Dunsters Mill Road: 28 January to 31 October
Bodle Street Green
- Shrieks Lane: 6 August, 8.00am to 26 August, 5.00pm
Burwash
- Shrub Lane: 10 August to 11 August
