Ashfield MP's praise and thanks for everyone who stuck to lockdown rules over Easter holiday

For the first time in living memory people had to stay at home to help protect lives and it was very pleasing to see that most of the British public respect the guidelines.

The good sense of people adhering to the social distancing rules is having a real impact and helping our NHS to be able to cope with this unprecedented demand.

It was sad to hear of the passing of Coun Tony Brewer last week who lost his life to coronavirus.

Tony was a real gentleman who came into local politics at the same time as me at Ashfield Council.

In the four years I worked with him, I can honestly say that there was never a crossed word and he always carried out his duties with great enthusiasm and professionalism.

Tony was well liked and well respected across the whole political spectrum which is a rare quality these days and just shows how highly people thought of him, a sad time indeed for everyone who knew Tony.

Home should be a safe place during a time like this but unfortunately for some being at home for longer than usual can put them at a greater risk of harm through domestic violence.

Over the years I have dealt with several cases and as a human the shock and anger each time I talk to a victim really gets to me and at this difficult time where people are being asked to stay at home, we have seen an increase in reported domestic violence cases but there is help on hand.

The Home Secretary has been quite clear in that offenders will be dealt with swiftly and victims will get the protection they deserve.

Help is on hand, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge and offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones – call 0808 2000247.

For more information on how to report Domestic Abuse or get help then please check out www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse.

A big shout out this week to our binmen across the constituency who are out every day making sure our bins get emptied.

This is a service that some of us take for granted but I can tell you that our brilliant binmen are working incredibly hard and going the extra mile to take our rubbish away

If you could leave a note on your bin to say thank you it would mean a great deal to them.

My team and I are working seven days a week so if you need my help then please email me on [email protected] or call my office on 01623 550604.

Lee Anderson is MP for Ashfield.