Weekly Update
New rapid testing unit in Kimberley
This week, I am pleased to see that a new mobile rapid testing unit has opened at Newdigate Street Car Park in Kimberley, making it easier for local residents to get tested for coronavirus.
The unit will be open between 10:00am and 5:30pm every Tuesday and Friday from this week for local residents to get an asymptomatic coronavirus test. It is quick and easy to get tested, with the results delivered in around 40 minutes. This unit is a valuable addition to our local efforts to help the fight against coronavirus and I encourage everyone to get tested. For further details about the unit, click here.
Covid-19 Vaccines
It has been another great week for the vaccine roll-out in Broxtowe and Nottinghamshire!
Starting this week, people aged 50 and over can now book their Covid-19 vaccination appointment by either visiting the local booking link or by calling the local booking line on 0115 883 4640 between 8am – 8pm during weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends. Over 50s can also call the National Booking Service on 119 or use the national booking link to book an appointment at the large-scale vaccination centre or their nearest pharmacy-led site.
If you are aware of a person over 50, or in a previous cohort that has not received their letter please urge them to book their vaccine as soon as possible.
Push Bike Broxtowe
Since hosting Push Bike Broxtowe meetings last week, I have received a lot of suggestions about changes to cycling infrastructure. I welcome these suggestions and will be passing them on to Broxtowe Borough Council. If you wish to attend any upcoming Push Bike Broxtowe meetings, please email me at darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk so I can send you a meeting invite.
Funding for Broxtowe
I wrote to all local sports clubs in Broxtowe to inform them of Sports England’s ‘Return to Play’ grant, which looks to support clubs respond to the challenges of returning to play during the coronavirus pandemic. I am pleased to have received so many positive responses back and I wish all local clubs success with their applications.
Nightingale Court in Nottinghamshire
On Tuesday, I asked Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Robert Buckland MP, whether he had considered opening a Nightingale Court in Nottinghamshire to address the backlog of cases yet to be heard in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court.
I was delighted to learn from his response that the Ministry of Justice plan to open a Nightingale Court in Nottinghamshire by the end of March, particularly as a number of constituents have contacted me about delays in court hearings and trials postponed as a result of the disruption
caused by coronavirus. A temporary court in Nottinghamshire will ensure as many hearings as possible can continue to take place whilst adhering to Public Health England’s social distancing requirements. The full video of my question to the Secretary of State can be found here.
Armed Forces Bill Committee
On Wednesday, I attended the fourth evidence session of the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee. I was encouraged by the evidence presented to the Committee from expert witnesses and I look forward to carrying their suggestions forward.
Right now, we are seeking written evidence on all provisions within the Bill and on a number of additional topics. As discussed in last week’s update, I am keen to keep in close contact with our local community throughout this process, and I encourage anyone with experiences in this field to submit their thoughts here.
Meetings and Surgeries
This week, I attended the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism where we discussed further measures the Government can take to support both hospitality and tourism businesses to rebound in the long term. I will continue to work closely with the APPG on behalf of the hospitality businesses we have here in Broxtowe.
Today I held a number of meetings with constituents concerning a range of topics – as always, I am available every Friday for a virtual surgery. If you would like to book a call with me, please contact me at darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk.
Looking ahead to next week, I will be hosting my third Virtual Coffee Morning on 23rd March at 10am to discuss environmental concerns with constituents, so please email me ahead of the event if you wish to attend. I look forward to seeing as many residents as possible.
For now, stay safe,
Darren