18th September 2009
This week looks like being a busy one for me. I start at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Bournemouth, where I have over 40 meetings to attend and speeches to make.
On Thursday I will be back in our area, and after a visit to the dentist (no problems I hope!), I will be calling in at the sheltered housing scheme in Milford Park in Yeovil to meet local residents. On Thursday night I have to return to Bournemouth, for BBC TV’s “Question Time” programme, with David Dimbleby.
On Friday, I will be travelling to Chilton Cantelo School, where there will be a celebration of the fundraising achievement of the team under Colour Sergeant Jim Coulter from RNAS Yeovilton – this is the team which raised money for “Help for Heroes” by doing a 13 mile marathon carrying a full Sea King rotor blade! They deserve every pound that they have raised for this excellent charity! There will be a large cheque for around £750 presented by the great team from Ilminster, who raised this from a “Desert Islands Discs” evening with me a couple of weeks ago – well done to all those involved, and thanks to those who gave so generously.
Last week I was again able to spend almost all my time in our area, and I held two Roving Advice Centres in Yeovil Without and Brympton, as well as visits to three sheltered housing schemes in Mudford and Chard.
On Tuesday morning I visited Merriott, to pick up a local petition about a recent decline in local bus services. Over 100 residents had signed the petition, and most complaints were about delayed services and cuts in the number of buses on particular routes. The hourly Merriott service to Crewkerne seems to have been cut to a two hourly service – a big change.
Some local routes have recently been taken over by Stagecoach, and people are telling me that many of the services are running with big delays. I have heard this in Merriott, Winsham and in Yeovil. I am very concerned to hear this, and I have written to Stagecoach and to Somerset County Council to see what action can be taken to address this.
If you are aware of any recent problems on bus routes, then please do let me know. And if your bus keeps arriving late, then please note down the length of delay and the day and time of the service, and let me know – that will allow me to raise specific issues with the bus company, whose Managing Director I hope to meet soon.
On Tuesday, I also met up with local councillor Paull Robathan in South Petherton. A decision is expected this week on whether the Strategic Health Authority in the South West is going to sign off the plans for the complete rebuilding of South Petherton Hospital. I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed that this long running campaign will finally come to its successful conclusion. I am determined that this hospital will be rebuilt, and it was one of the issues which I committed myself to fight on in my last General Election Campaign.
The people of South Petherton and the surrounding area could not have done more to back the hospital plans, and they have turned up in meeting after meeting to signal their support, and their determination! A particular thanks to the marvellous Mary Robertson, who has led the campaign so effectively, and who has put so much time and energy into this.
On Wednesday, I spent half the day visiting Preston Secondary School and Westfield Secondary School, in Yeovil. Head Teacher Tony Bloxham gave me a very detailed briefing on the good progress at Preston School, and at Westfield Head Teacher Chris Hunt showed me all the improvements put in over the school holidays. In particular, the dining room/canteen at the school has had a big upgrade, and looks fantastic – complete with some brilliant art which has been created by the pupils.
On Wednesday evening I attended a meeting of the South West Inventors Club in Yeovil – and saw a very impressive range of new inventors. I would like to see some of these ideas in “Dragons Den” or with support from banks and the Government.
On Thursday, I was pleased to be able to visit the Children’s Centre, next to Reckleford Infants School. The Centre has been in operation for three years now, and is clearly busy and popular – my thanks to all those who have worked so hard on this.
Ever,
David.
PS: My next Advice Centres are in: Yeovil (Friday 25th September, Saturday 3rd October, Friday 23rd October), Chard (Saturday 10th October), Ilminster and Crewkerne (Saturday 17th October). All details from my Yeovil Office on 01935 423284.