Dear Reader,
I can’t believe how quickly January has gone! I have been really busy both in Parliament and in the constituency since the Christmas break, which seems such a long time ago now.
Over the last few weeks I have had some fantastic visits in the constituency. I visited Rochside Recycling Centre located at Purdeys Industrial Estate. I had a tour of the site and saw the different material they recycle and how they recycle it. I was the speaker at Southend on Sea Business Luncheon Club. This was a fantastic event, I really enjoyed speaking to the guests. There were a large number of guests present and more tables and chairs were needed! It is always great to have the opportunity to talk to people about politics and even more enjoyable when the people you are talking to want to listen!
I have also met with Essex Police Crime Commissioner Nick Alston. This was the first time since the elections held last November that I have met with Nick. Also in attendance were fellow Essex MP’s and we were able to discuss many issues across Essex. It was particularly good to see that Nick Alston is focusing on domestic violence issues where Essex has lagged behind best practice in the past. We also discussed the process for recruiting the new Chief Constable.
I attended a memorial service in Great Wakering for the floods that occurred 60 years ago in 1953. The memorial service was really moving, there were local residents who experienced the floods first hand and told us their story. I also attended another memorial service in Chelmsford. Princess Anne was at the service alongside fellow Essex MP’s. It is often easy to forget about the flood and the tragedy that occurred across the county. All too often we see areas of the country that suffer at the hands of mother nature and in 1953 we, here in Essex, were her victim. Communities pulled together to support each other, to work together and to save lives. The plaque that I unveiled in the Wakering Memorial Hall is a permanent reminder of the brave and also victims of that awful time.
Until next time
James