Since my last update, we have had a major update in the campaign to remove the illegally-moored boats from Walton and Molesey, and launched a new drive to cut crime in Elmbridge.
Plus, the return of my annual Apprentice of the Year competition to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
A PSPO could see the boats permanently removed from the riverside in Walton-on-Thames and Molesey.
The presence of illegally moored boats along the Thames has been a longstanding issue for local residents.
I have consistently favoured the implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) along the riverbank. This is the best option to remove the boats permanently, but Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) have been unwilling to seriously consider a PSPO to tackle the issue.
After much resistance, EBC have finally reversed this position and accepted my proposal.They have considered the issue at Cabinet, and are expected to consult with residents.
To hold EBC to their word, I have launched a new petition on this issue. If you are affected by the presence of these boats, sign the petition below to help me tackle this issue:
Your views on making the streets of Esher and Walton constituency safer
Under a new local drive to keep crime low across Elmbridge, I have launched a new residents' survey focusing on crime and other key local issues to make Esher & Walton constituency an even better place to live.
This builds on My Plan for Esher and Walton constituency, through which I am supporting local families with the cost of living, improving local transport by expanding Zone 6 to all stations in the constituency, and safeguarding our local Green Belt.
If you have been affected by these issues, please me know your views below:
19% more GP patient care staff in Esher and Walton constituency
GP patient care staff levels in Esher and Walton constituency are up 19% over 2019 levels.
This means there are more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare assistants and physiotherapists working in GP surgeries in the constituency than before the pandemic.
The government is investing a record £166 billion into the NHS by 2024-2025. Under My Plan for Esher and Walton, I am working to increase the number of GP appointments and reduce waiting times, and expand the range of care and services at our local community hospitals and GP practices.
In the constituency
Roundtable with local businesses
Last week, I attended the Federation of Small Business (FSB) annual roundtable discussion in West Molesey with the Surrey Federation of Small Businesses, hosted by Ray Abrahams.
We discussed current challenges and also the achievements of small local businesses, such as Creative Nature in West Molesey.
Creative Nature sells an exclusive line of snacks – all of which are ‘Top 14 allergen free’ and vegan. Its founder, Julianne Ponan, was honoured with an MBE Award in the King’s New Years’ Honours! Congratulations, Julianne.
Across January, more than 80 ‘Unlocking Construction’ workshops were held across over 60 prisons in England and Wales. These events introduced offenders to potential employment options in the construction sector through innovative methods such as virtual reality scaffolding, to help them find work ahead of their release to reduce reoffending and keep the public safe.
Announcing that - for the first time - barristers will be paid specifically for work on pre-recorded evidence as part of our £138 million annual investment in criminal legal aid, helping victims of crimes including rape and sexual assault to avoid the stress of giving evidence in a live trial setting.
Over 200 grassroots organisations across England and Wales have been awarded a share of the £5 millionYouth Justice Sports Fund, helping to get children and young people away from crime and into sport.
