Over the summer I was pleased to be able to escape London and come home to spend more time with my constituents and family. Whilst I like to spend recess periods keeping busy in Stoke-on-Trent, this summer has certainly had me on my feet.
My wife, Laura, and I were pleased to announce at the end of July the birth of our new baby daughter. We have been busy on baby duties, with an amazing amount of help from our son who is adjusting to life as a big brother and starts school this week.
I want to wish all the children returning or starting a new school all the best for the forthcoming year. We have seen some amazing results recently thanks to the hard work of our young people and dedication of teachers who all deserve our praise.
I want to thank residents who have sent their well wishes to my family. Whilst the birth of my daughter has kept me busy, Stoke-on-Trent South residents still need their MP. This summer has been filled with campaigns, announcements, and a lot of visits with residents, business leaders, and local champions.
I have launched my campaign to have Monkey Dust reclassified. I am extremely concerned about the worrying rise in illegal drugs blighting our streets and ruining lives, which is why I have been working to support the City Council and Staffordshire Police. I am now calling on Stoke-on-Trent residents to help me reclassify Monkey Dust to a Class A drug: please sign the online petition on my website.
And, regarding crime, I was delighted to hear the excellent news that the City Council has listened to my concerns and will invest in 5 new High Definition cameras for Longton town centre. The new cameras will deter crime and capture pin-sharp images of criminals who do choose to chance committing offences.
Residents will know of my ongoing efforts to see levelling up in Stoke-on-Trent. That is why I was pleased to see a public consultation on the proposed redevelopment of the Crown Works (former Tams factory) in Longton launched, with a planning application due very soon. This site has been derelict for years and its redevelopment is a key part of the regeneration of Longton. The Government’s Levelling Up Fund has been vital in enabling this to progress.
On a lighter note, I have been out and about across Stoke-on-Trent South. I have had some wonderful visits to new local eateries. A huge thanks to Café Number 7 in Blurton for a cuppa. Simon & Paul are doing an excellent job setting up and I want to wish them all the best. I also had the chance to visit Ali and his family at their new business, Ali’s Kitchen, in Longton. Ali's Kitchen offers great takeaway and will soon open as a restaurant in the coming months. Ali and his team were very kind to let me try some food samples and I will say that these were delicious! I look forward to returning soon.
I have also had some great visits with our local charities and businesses. A huge thank you to the CEO of Dougie Mac David Webster, Jannette, Jane and the whole team at the hospice for welcoming me at their children and young people facility. The team provide incredibly dedicated support for local people and their families. It was great to hear how they are going from strength to strength following the merger of the Donna Louise and Dougie Mac. A real credit to Stoke-on-Trent!
It was also fantastic to visit the new Solidor factory at Meir Park and see the amazing investment they have made. They employ more than 200 people locally offering skilled jobs. It was great to be able to look around the factory, discuss the work they are doing and hear about some of the challenges faced.
How great also to hear that we have locally a winner of a national award: Nathan Turner is the regional winner and a national finalist for Volunteer of the Year at the LTA Tennis Awards. I met with Nathan at Florence Tennis & Bowling Club to present him with the award and hear about his involvement coaching local young people. I was inspired to see how Nathan has embraced his autism to achieve and help others. Nathan is without a shadow of doubt a credit to our city.
The Longton Community Garden has now been completed and for the unveiling I was pleased to join Cllr Asman Ali, Cllr Ross Irving, Cllr Shaun Bennett, Cllr Ally Simcock and Richard Cresswell, of R.D. Cresswell & Co who gave permission for the art to be painted on the rear of his shop. The garden and mural make a huge difference to what was previously just a rat-infested overgrown mess. I want to thank local councillors who have helped fund the mural which recognises the contribution and sacrifices made during WWI.
It has been a wonderfully busy and productive summer for our city. The hard work will continue as MPs return to Westminster. I will be working with our new Prime Minister and their Government to ensure Stoke-on-Trent remains at the front of the Government’s mind.
- This article appeared in the 5th September 2022 edition of The Sentinel
