Kirkby kids give hope for the future

I’d like to start this week’s column by saying a massive thank you to a couple of Year 6 pupils from Kirkby Woodhouse Primary School who are stars of the future.

Jodi, Aaliyah, Abby, Jessica, Lucy and Jack from Mrs Butler-Mallender’s class were so fed up with the state of the public footpaths next to their school they decided to write to the authorities themselves.

It’s great to see such a ‘can do’ attitude in young people and it must have made the people in charge sit up and take notice because Nottinghamshire County Council have now cleared up the mess.

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In my job I send out lots of letters every week and I can honestly say yours were well and truly up to the standard required. In fact if you carry on like this I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you go on to be caseworkers, councillors or even MPs when you are older. Keep up the good work and have fun over half-term!

Getting elected as Ashfield’s MP back in May 2010 was one of the proudest moments of my life and I can’t believe how quickly it has gone.

I made one simple promise that day which was to work as hard as I could for local people and you’ve all certainly made sure I’ve kept to my word.

It’s been an exceptionally busy start to the year and although we are only half way through February I’ve already dealt with 150 enquiries but I’m sure there’s still plenty more I can do.

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If you’ve got a problem with a pothole, anti-social behaviour or troublesome neighbours, Income Tax or Tax Credits or simply want advice or have ideas about how to improve our area then get in touch and let me see if I can make a difference.

There’s one issue which is worrying many people in Kirkby at the minute and that’s the planned Mowlands development just off Sutton Road.

I’m really grateful to all of those people who have got in touch with me to express their opposition. While I have no say at all over planning, I strongly believe people’s views should be listened to which is why I’ve sent every letter and e-mail I’ve received straight to bosses at the council so they are in no doubt whatsoever about your feelings.

This week the council did update me and said the consultation is still in the early stages but concerns around traffic, housing and pressures on the local infrastructure will be carefully considered.

If anyone else would like to me raise this then please let me know and I I’ll continue to keep residents in the loop as much as I can.