Reflections on the first six months
I should like to start by wishing readers of the Bexhill News a very Happy New Year!
As I write this column, December is drawing to a close and it gives me a chance to reflect on my first six months as the Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle. It has been a whirlwind of a time getting out and about in the constituency as well as working hard in Parliament.
When I stood for election, I set out a number of issues that I would prioritise if I was lucky enough to be elected as MP. One of these was to oppose the Northeye asylum accommodation site. Soon after the new Parliament began, I raised the issue in Parliament and wrote to Home Office Ministers.
With other local campaigners and residents, we kept up the pressure for a decision on the site. When the Home Office announced last month that the site would not proceed and would be sold off, it was very welcome news. There is still more work to be done though, as there are remain some issues relating to the site which I want to get resolved for the residents living adjacent to it.
We also received news that Bexhill Post Office might close as part of the Post Office Ltd transformation plan. Whilst the plan looks positive for our fantastic Post Office franchise owners, hidden in the detail was a proposal to close 115 directly-managed Post Offices, including Bexhill.
I was immediately concerned and raised a petition to see how impactful this would be for local residents and businesses. The response was overwhelming with over 3000 signatories in just a couple of weeks. Whatever the future for the building, my priority is to ensure Bexhill does not lose a single service which the main Post Office currently provides.
Every time I drive down to the constituency after a week in Parliament, I feel privileged and lucky to be driving through some of the most beautiful countryside in England and passing by places like Battle Abbey which are so rich in history. As I reach my office in Bexhill, I still get excited to see the sea on the horizon.
Alongside the natural beauty of the constituency, its biggest asset is definitely the people who also call it home. Everyone I meet is friendly and welcoming, and I’ve met quite a few! I’ve been out and about to businesses, schools, colleges, GP surgeries, charities, and voluntary organisations. I’ve met town councillors, district councillors and county councillors.
What strikes me most about all the people I have met in Bexhill, is how passionate they are about the town and its residents. So many people work incredibly hard in Bexhill to support their communities and are happy to collaborate with each other to achieve this.
I have particularly enjoyed going out and about meeting groups and organisations in Bexhill which are either entirely run by volunteers or would not exist without the support of volunteers. They work hard on projects which improve the town and the environment, or with groups that offer friendship, advice, support or raise income for charities which benefit all generations.
Our communities could not exist without the support of volunteers, they have been, and will continue to be, vital to a healthy society. I’d therefore like to start the new year by thanking everyone who volunteers for what they do.
Statistics show that the age group most likely to volunteer is the 65-75-year-olds, which is no surprise as this is the age group which may have most recently retired but still want to be active and have a lifetime of skills and experience to offer.
However, there are opportunities for people to volunteer whatever their age. Volunteering not only helps others, but it also helps to make new friendships, build a CV and learn new skills.
I hope that 2025 may be the year when more people will think about volunteering in their communities and find out how enjoyable it can be. I look forward to meeting many more volunteers in Bexhill this year!
