Welcome to my October Newsletter!
Hello,
My newsletter is designed to give an overview of what I've been doing as Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath, so please feel free to forward this on to your friends, family and neighbours. They can sign up to receive it directly by clicking here.
With every good wish,
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath
|
|
Surrey Heath News
Upper Gordon Road Surgery: It was incredibly helpful to talk to the team at Upper Gordon Road Surgery in Camberley last month to discuss the acute pressures being faced by GPs in Surrey Heath and across the country. I am grateful to them for giving up their time to speak to me and I have raised their concerns with the Department for Health and Social Care.
Camberley Job Centre: It was great to meet the DWP team at the Job Centre in Camberley in September to hear more about the local job market and the excellent work that they are doing to support constituents into work. They are ready to offer help to those who need it and you can find contact details here.
Surrey Heath Borough Commander: I met Detective Inspector Matthew Walton in Camberley to discuss local crime patterns, particularly relating to car thefts and burglaries. I am so grateful for the work that is being done locally by the police to stamp down on these crimes, and look forward to speaking to Matthew again soon.
Surrey Heath Borough Council: You can find out more about my recent catch-up at Surrey Heath House with the Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Damian Roberts, here.
Windlesham Village Infant School: It was a huge pleasure to visit Windlesham Village Infant School with local County Councillor, Richard Tear, earlier this month. We both thoroughly enjoyed speaking to the Head Teacher and taking lively questions from the School Council.
Bagshot Coffee Gallery: It was a real treat to visit The Coffee Gallery at Bagshot Station and to sample the delicious cakes made by award-winning baker, Viktorija Ricotta. This new business is a great addition to the village, and I am so pleased it is doing so well.
Former Lakeside School Field: Following concerns raised by residents about the future of this land, I met virtually with Cllr David Lewis and Cllr Sarah Jane Croke to discuss the issue. I can certainly appreciate that residents are concerned about potential development on this land and the lack of information being provided, and I have contacted Surrey County Council, the owner of the field, to investigate. I shall share any updates I receive soon.
Chobham Sewage Works: Earlier this month, I met with representatives from Thames Water in Parliament to discuss concerns about the Chobham Sewage Work’s discharges into the River Bourne. It was reassuring to hear that the matter is being taken extremely seriously, and that work is due to take place in Chobham. I asked to be kept informed, and am pleased to have been updated on how the issue is going to be resolved. You can read more here.
Heather Ridge Arcade works: In mid-October, I met Cllr Edward Hawkins at the Arcade to discuss its condition and the repair works being undertaken. It was good to see work being done on the paving to remove trip hazards, and I understand that the job has since been completed.
Surrey Heath Headteachers: I was very grateful to the Headteachers of Surrey Heath for joining me at Heather Ridge Infant School for one of our regular catch-ups. As ever, it was really helpful to hear from them about what more the Government can do to support schools in Surrey Heath and across the country.
Sainsbury's Watchmoor Park: Thank you to Sainsbury’s Watchmoor Park for inviting me to tour the store again, and to discuss the cost of living. I was pleased to hear about all that Sainsbury’s is doing to help customers and staff during this difficult time.
Shawfield Primary School: I visited Shawfield Primary School to meet the new Head Teacher, Stephen Corcoran, and I was delighted to hear about the school's ongoing success. I also met the Year 6 Ambassadors and watched a brilliant presentation from the students regarding road safety, and I have since written to the Council to ask whether more can be done to improve road safety around the school.
Hogs Back Brewery: I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham for another visit. It’s a fantastic business, and many thanks to the Managing Director, Rupert Thompson, for bringing me up-to-date with the challenges the brewing industry is facing. I was also delighted to hear about the Brewery’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero.
Surrey Police: Very many thanks to the Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Gavin Stephens, for taking the time to meet me at the HQ in Guildford. It was extremely helpful to discuss local concerns and to hear more about the work that is being done across Surrey to tackle crime.
Transport for the South East: I met virtually with representatives from Transport for the South East to discuss its draft Strategic Investment Plan and how the proposals could potentially impact Surrey Heath residents. The plan covers all aspects of transport, from rail and bus services to cycling and walking, and whilst the consultation on the plan closed last month, you can read more about the draft proposals here.
Frimley Park Hospital: Frimley Park Hospital is in need of structural works in order to replace outdated reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, and I have written to the Department for Health on several occasions to seek support to fund the works via the New Hospitals Programme. I have once again chased the Department for Health, and very much hope for positive news soon.
toob: Following my emails to toob, I have now received an update from the Business Development Manager, Gavin Pidduck, and I am very pleased to have it officially confirmed that toob will not deploy new telegraph poles in areas of Heatherside and Parkside that do not already have poles. You can read the response here.
Home to School Transport: Many constituents will have seen in last month's newsletter that I had written to Surrey County Council to raise a number of cases relating to delays in home to school transport applications. I have since had a further virtual meeting with the Cabinet Member responsible at Surrey County Council, County Cllr Clare Curran, and was pleased to learn of the steps that are being taken to ensure appeals are heard as soon as possible.
|
|
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities News
I was delighted to be reinstated as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by our new Prime Minister on 25 October. I very much look forward to getting back to work and providing further updates in future editions of my newsletter.
|
|
|
Contact me
The best way to reach me is by email or post, and please include your full address, including postcode, in all communications.
|
|
|
|
|
