Dear people of Broxtowe,
Yesterday evening (5th of April) Her Majesty The Queen addressed the nation and commended the fortitude of the British people. Her Majesty said:
“Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.”
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."
Coronavirus is the biggest threat our country has faced in decades. This Government has a scientifically-led, step-by-step action plan to beat coronavirus and we will beat it if we continue to work together. There is also further information and advice about coronavirus on my website: https://www.darrenhenry.org.uk/coronavirus
Please remember we must stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.
I would like to hear about ‘Broxtowe Heroes (COVID-19)’. Please contact me, initially by email, and tell me about your local Broxtowe Constituency Hero that you think deserves a public mention from their MP. This could be a Broxtowe Constituency resident who has gone the extra mile or is at the heart of a community project or is working extra shifts on the front-line or is volunteering during this coronavirus pandemic. Please contact me by email with their name, what they have done or doing, and location. I will then contact you to find out more and aim to include them in my updates in a ‘Broxtowe Heroes’ section.
Protecting and enhancing the local environment is part of my 6-point plan for Broxtowe. I had a video call with Paul Wilkinson and Erin McDaid of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. We discussed the importance of the Attenborough Nature Reserve, which is a special place here in Broxtowe, and the success of the Attenborough Nature Reserve Lifeline Appeal reaching the £1 million target in just 10 weeks. We also discussed local planning and the idea of having special wildlife spaces in new developments.
Erin McDaid, Head of Communications, said: “We really appreciate Darren making time for a video call at this challenging time because Broxtowe is a key area for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. As well as being home to Attenborough Nature Reserve we work closely with Broxtowe Borough Council to benefit local wildlife and residents and look forward to working with Darren as the local MP to do the same. We discussed progress with the purchase of the reserve, efforts to stand up for wildlife within the planning system and working with farmers and other landowners to support nature's recovery. We also gave an update on long-term efforts to restore Sherwood Forest.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Trust has closed the centres and car parks at our two most visited reserves - Attenborough & Idle Valley - to promote social distancing. Like many charities we are coping with disruption due to staff working from home and facing up to a significant drop in income, but until it is safe to welcome everyone back to our amazing reserves Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping people connected with nature via our website and social media channels whilst they staying at home – https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/”
In regard to tree planting, I have been in contact with Richard Hutchinson, Chair of Chetwynd: The Toton & Chilwell Neighbourhood Forum; Cllr Lydia Ball BEM, Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell, and Cllr Richard MacRae, Chairman of Stapleford Community Group. I am encouraging all local groups and individuals to get involved across Broxtowe and to apply for a share of a £10 million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas. This is because the Forestry Commission has opened the second round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. Applications for single planting projects of between 150 and 5,000 small trees are invited and the grants will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future. For further details of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund and how to apply please following the link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/urban-tree-challenge-fund
The project aims to support the planting of more than 130,000 trees across England’s towns and cities and to have every new street lined with trees. I wish to make Broxtowe one of the cleanest, greenest and safest places to live in Nottinghamshire or indeed the country. Please keep yourself, your family and our Broxtowe community safe.
I am here to serve you and your loved ones.
Darren