Welcome to my November 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
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Surrey Heath News
Ravenscote Crossing: Last Friday, I was thrilled to take part in the official opening of the new signalled crossing at Ravenscote Junior School. I am absolutely delighted that we finally have a safe crossing for the children, and I would like to say a huge thank you to local County Councillor, Edward Hawkins, and to local campaigner, Louise Grainger, for their brilliant work, and also to Surrey County Council for providing the much-needed funding.
Bagshot Village Community Library: Many thanks to Bagshot Village Community Library for having me to visit at the end of last month with Cllr Valerie White. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to thank all of the brilliant volunteers for their hard work, and also buy some new books!
Home to School Transport: Following my letter to Surrey County Council about this issue last month, I walked part of the proposed route for children travelling from Lightwater to Collingwood College with Cllr Rebecca Jennings-Evans, which has been raised by a number of concerned parents. I agree with Rebecca that Surrey County Council has to look at this urgently, and I look forward to hearing from SCC regarding the stage 2 appeals which are being heard as urgently as possible.
Chobham High Street water leak: Several constituents were in touch to highlight the issue of the water leak on Chobham High Street, and I wrote to Affinity Water and SCC to ask for the repair works to be expedited given residents’ understandable concerns. I am delighted to now report that the repair to the leak on Chobham High Street was brought forward from January to the 17th November. I hope to stop by to inspect the work in the near future.
Lorraine Infant School: I really enjoyed visiting Lorraine Infant School in Camberley with Cllr Trefor Hogg earlier this month. It was great to meet all the staff and to have the opportunity to look around the school again, and it is always lovely to speak to a group of inspired students who truly love being at school.
Pine Ridge Infant School: Also earlier this month, I visited Pine Ridge Infant School, and am grateful to co-headteachers Karen Ney and Anna Freshwater for a brilliant tour. I also had a catch up with The Trust CEO, Jon Chaloner and Executive Head Claire-Louise West. My huge thanks go to all the staff who work so hard to make the school such a success.
Sainsbury's Watchmoor Park: It was such a pleasure visiting Sainsbury’s in Watchmoor Park in early November, and it was an honour to join the Royal British Legion team selling poppies. Thank you to the people of Camberley for their immense generosity, contributing to such a worthy cause.
Camberley and Frimley Station CCTV: Following reports of antisocial behaviour around these stations, I wrote to the Chief Executive of South Western Railway to ask for improvements to the CCTV facilities currently in use so that my constituents can feel safe when travelling. I understand that SWR are currently tendering for a renewal of the CCTV across the network over a three year programme. This is due to start in April 2023, subject to Department for Transport approval. The renewal programme would mean the systems at both stations are refreshed.
M3/A322 Junction: The issue of congestion at this junction has been impacting residents for far too long, and I wrote once again to the Transport Secretary to outline my immense frustration that more has not been done to improve the situation for Surrey Heath residents. I will continue to press this issue and will provide an update in due course.
Lyndhurst School: It was great to visit Lyndhurst School in Camberley during UK Parliament Week for a Q&A session with the Year 5 & 6 pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to answer their interesting questions, and it was lovely to hear their thoughts and opinions about politics, parliament and democracy.
Surrey Wildlife Trust: I was hugely grateful to Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, Chief Executive of Surrey Wildlife Trust, for meeting me and bringing me up-to-date on the vital work the Trust has been doing to maximise nature recovery and growth locally.
Ascot Brewing: Very many thanks to Ascot Brewing for giving me a tour of the brewery in mid-November. It was fascinating to have a look around their brewing facility, and to learn more about their recent achievements and plans for the future.
Churches Together in Camberley: I had a really important and long-overdue catch up with Churches Together In Camberley at St Paul’s Church in Crawley Ridge this month. It was incredibly helpful to hear their concerns about education, mental health and the challenges that local families are facing with the costs of energy and food, and I am hugely grateful for all the support they provide to our communities.
Surrey Heath Youth Council: It was great to catch up with Surrey Heath Youth Council, and to answer their questions on the support the Government is providing for people who are struggling with the cost of living.
Frimley Park Hospital: I recently had a further meeting with the Chief Executive of Frimley Health Trust, Neil Dardis, to once again touch base on the extremely important infrastructural challenges Frimley Park Hospital is facing.
Hammond Junior School: It was wonderful to make a return visit to Hammond Junior School in Lightwater last week to meet the new Head of School and to see the fantastic work being done by the staff, pupils and the community. Each half term they have a Feel Good Friday, and some of the activities I saw involved making sourdough, reviewing films, and making Christmas decorations. I also had the pleasure of meeting the School Parliament and had a very interesting Q&A session with the pupils.
Surrey Heath House: As ever, it was very helpful to hold my regular catch ups this month with the Surrey Heath Borough Commander, Inspector Matthew Walton, and with the Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Damian Roberts, and the Council Leader, Cllr Alan McClafferty.
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Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities News
Liverpool City Council Intervention: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has appointed a Financial Commissioner to deliver value for money for taxpayers in Liverpool. You can find out more here.
Blackpool regeneration investment: A significant regeneration project that will deliver new leisure facilities, create jobs, boost tourism, and help level up Blackpool has been announced by the Government, and you can find out more here.
Rogue landlord enforcement changes: Rogue landlords who exploit the supported housing system at the expense of vulnerable residents could be banned from operating or fined up to £30,000 as enforcement is stepped up across the country. You can learn more here.
Social housing standards statement: Following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, I made a statement to Parliament on social housing standards which you can read here.
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Contact me
The best way to reach me is by email or post, and please include your full address, including postcode, in all communications.
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