Last Friday I visited the Beeston Job Centre. We discussed several issues such as the switch to online appointments, diversity and inclusion in employment, support for veterans and concerns about public transport provision. This week saw the launch of the Kickstarter Scheme at Beeston Job Centre. This scheme aims to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds, I welcome this investment into the young people of Broxtowe and if you would like more information on the scheme please click here. I look forward to working closely with Beeston Job Centre in the future to ensure the best outcome for the people of Broxtowe.
On Friday I also had the pleasure of visiting the Attenborough Nature Reserve. Many constituents across Broxtowe have been visiting the Reserve. I am glad to hear that the site is doing well, having returned to nearly 80% of pre COVID-19 sales and are looking forward to welcoming back their staff from the furlough scheme. I am pleased that the Centre continues to renovate and expand so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come.
The Conservative Party Conference, like many events this year, had to be moved online. On Sunday, I was delighted to be a panellist at the Conservative Party virtual conference for Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces.
On Tuesday, I attended Citizen Advice Broxtowe’s AGM. Indeed, I was delighted The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Councillor Janet Patrick, who was in attendance, nominated this as her chosen charity to support. I listened to their update after another year of doing great work in our community.
As you may be aware, I have been campaigning for investment into the Queens Medical Centre since being elected. Which is why I was delighted that the Government has confirmed that the Queen’s Medical Centre and City hospitals will be part of their commitment to invest £3.7 billion into 40 hospitals over the next 10 years. The Prime Minister has announced that there will be a range of new builds and refurbishments.
I understand concerns about reports of rising cases of COVID-19 in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Broxtowe Borough Council are urging people to take steps now by not mixing indoors with people from other households. I encourage all constituents to follow these steps and if you would like to read this guidance in full please click here.
I can assure you that there is no one keener than me to avoid a second national lockdown with the types of restrictions we had in March, and I know that Ministers share this view. That is why we must act with haste to bring local infection spikes, like the one we are seeing in Nottingham, under control. The alternative, in letting the virus spread, would mean blanket national measures later on.
Please be assured that I am working with Nottinghamshire County Council regarding these reports. I am in touch with other Nottingham based MPs, as well as Ministers, to ensure that the welfare of residents and the interests of local businesses are protected.
Most importantly please remember HANDS, FACE, SPACE. Wash your hands for twenty seconds with soap, wear a face covering and keep a distance of two metres from others whenever possible.
Warm regards,
Darren