MP praises Ashfield District Council's decision to introduce free parking

This is something that traders and shoppers have continually raised with me over the past nine months and I am grateful to ADC for changing its mind.

I do not class this as a u-turn as some have suggested.

It is a case of the council listening to residents and then making the right decision – well done ADC.

Last week I spent a considerable amount of time with the police both on foot patrol and with the traffic cops who were out and about stopping cars.

It is sometimes easy to think nothing is being done on our streets but spending time on the front line with our police is given me a much better understanding of the unnoticed work they do daily, so a big thank you to Inspector Mark Dickson for letting me tag along.

Last week in Westminster, I joined fellow MPs in grilling Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on how the UK can get the best trade deals in a post Brexit world.

I have to say I was extremely impressed in what he had to say and I think he will make an excellent trade adviser for the UK.

I also managed to meet with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to discuss the roadmap out of this pandemic and delivering all the extra investment in areas like Ashfield.

After I was elected last December, I never imagined what the next year would bring but although we have had a massive challenge with Covid, I am absolutely convinced that the people of this country will do what they always do and pull together to work our way out to a better future.

Last week I visited Ashfield School which I attended in the 80s.

A lot has changed since my time there, but I have to say I was really impressed with the school site and especially the three new science labs that have been installed over the summer.

I remember my time at the school with great affection and it was great to catch up with head teacher Mr Maher – a man who obviously loves the school and the job he does for our children.

We are very lucky to have such a great school in our area.

Lee Anderson is MP for Ashfield.