Conservative Party Conference
It is great to be back in Broxtowe after attending the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester earlier this week. During the conference I met with various Ministers making the case for more investment into our constituency. I had the opportunity to speak with the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak once again making the case for HS2 and that it has to be Toton for the East Midlands Hub Station.
As Co-Chair of the Midlands Engine All Party Parliamentary Group, I was also delighted to hear the new Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, speak about the need to focus investment into our region. There is so much potential for economic growth here in Broxtowe and it was encouraging to see Government offer their support for this.
I also held a meeting with TalkTalk to discuss broadband and digital connectivity. Constituents across Broxtowe regularly raise broadband as being a real issue for our area and this is something I am keen to see addressed.
I was delighted to hear the Prime Minister reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the Levelling Up agenda and make real strides in tackling the historic inequalities we see between different regions of the country.
Constituency Visits
I was pleased to welcome Inspector Simon Riley, District Commander for Neighbourhood Policing in Broxtowe, to my constituency office in Stapleford. We discussed a range of issues that affect constituents across Broxtowe including the nuisance caused by off road bikes, bike thefts and issues with anti-social behaviour. I am committed to working closely with the Police to see these issues addressed.
On Wednesday 29th September, I hosted one of my regular environment coffee mornings, where a wide variety of local and national environmental issues were discussed. This ranged from the Radcliffe-on-Soar power station to the green homes grant scheme and the Government's plan for sustainable agriculture. It was very interesting to hear the mix of views, I will continue to look into the issues raised and represent my constituents wherever I can. I am looking to host my next coffee morning on the 1st of December, please do get in touch if you are interested in attending.
Thursday 30th September, I was delighted to attend and speak at the Broxtowe Employment and Skills Partnership. I spoke about my recent Job Fair and the exciting projects that Broxtowe will be seeing over the coming years which needs to be accompanied by investment into skills and education. The group does excellent work in promoting jobs and training and I look forward to working closely with them in future.
On Friday 1st October I attended a meeting with residents and councillors in Swingate to discuss a range of highways and parking issues in the local area. I will continue to listen to constituents’ concerns about our roads across Broxtowe and work with the County Council to get the improvements we require.
That afternoon I visited Eskdale Junior School in Chilwell. It was great to be welcomed by the Headteacher and Governors and discuss a range of issues affecting the school. I am continuing to engage regularly with schools across Broxtowe ensuring they receive the support that they require.
Push Bike Broxtowe
Last Friday I resumed my regular Push Bike Broxtowe meetings, bringing individuals and organisations from across Broxtowe together to discuss cycling initiatives for the constituency. There are many great opportunities to expand the active travel offer for our towns and villages such as through the Mini-Hollands scheme in Stapleford and I would encourage anybody interested to come along to the next meeting on 5th November. I also chaired a Stapleford Towns Deal Cycle network meeting today discussing plans for expanding the cycling network throughout the town.
Constituency Office
My Constituency Office in Stapleford is now open to the public. The office will be open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm. Please press the intercom for attention. If myself or my team are not available we will be working for the constituents of Broxtowe elsewhere.
As ever, I will still be available to meet with constituents. Should you wish to book a surgery appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk. Alternatively, please feel free to call on our temporary office number 07553839428, or write to me at 168 Derby Road, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 7AY.