What links bacon sandwiches, hats, cup cakes, a new community project and a surgery? I will tell you - James Duddridge MP!
James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, spent a day in and around Hamlet Court Road with the three Milton ward councillors Cllr Jonathan Garston, Nigel Folkard, and Dr Maria Caunce.
James started the day off having bacon sandwiches and coffee in a café along Hamlet Court Road. After breakfast James walked down to The Big Society Shop where he held a Community Surgery for local residents with the local ward councillors. The surgery was a huge success and a large number of residents came to speak to James and the councillors.
Following the surgery, James went along to The only Way Is Green (Twig) which is a community project managed by Trust Links and funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to engage local residents in saving energy and assisting in the reduction of household bills by 10% as a result of taking small actions in the home.
During his visit James was given locally made cupcakes, although he was unable to take time out and eat them there and then there was still more work to be done!
After pledging to take some small steps to reduce energy in the home , James went and burnt some energy by going door knocking with the councillors and delivering a survey to residents asking for their views on local issues, what problems the local area faces, suggested improvements and also highlighting the local areas strengths.
Finally, before heading back to the constituency offices James popped into a hat shop and purchased a new hat and had a chat with the shop owner.
James said
“I had a fantastic day in Hamlet Court Road. I met lots of residents, business owners and community project co-ordinators. The Big Society Shop Community Surgery was really well attended. Local residents had the opportunity to meet their local councillors in addition to meeting with me. I was able to do some shopping, knock on doors and engage in local community groups. A great day.”
ENDS