Parliament is on “Recess” so it’s a good time to catch up with my family and meet organisations in Chelmsford.
Tuesday
I planned a day off but I spend the morning doing emails and the afternoon chasing around computer experts getting my son’s laptop mended. He is in the middle of A-levels so it’s high stress!
Wednesday
I pop in to Westminster, and talk to senior government Members about the upcoming votes on Brexit issues. It’s tricky because there are many complex issues and different opinions. We discuss ways to help bring everyone together.
Back to Chelmsford to meet with Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England to discuss Sutherland Lodge. VirginCare have two more weeks to prepare a detailed improvement plan. Patient safety can not be compromised.
Thursday
Wow! Start the day with an amazing tech company based in Chelmsford. Yoti are leading the way in Digital ID, their product helps to prevent online fraud and keeps users safe and secure when using the internet or making online purchases.
Over to Great Baddow to meet Simon the Post Office Manager. Busy lunchtime with Simon and his team serving many in the community. The local NatWest Branch is closing but NatWest customers will be able to use the Post Office to access their bank accounts and services. Simon promises to stay in touch about any specific issues and I will raise these with Head Office.
Back to the train station to do a TV interview with BBC about the rail meeting this evening.
Stop for coffee from “As You Like It!” Cafe. They are not giving out plastic cutlery anymore - well done! We’re reducing single use plastic in the House of Commons too.
I go over to New London Road to visit a young company, Mimosa Beauty. The owner, Jennie Lawson, is passionate about making sure her business is environmentally friendly and not contributing to landfill.
Evening at the Civic Centre for the train meeting. I’ve arranged for the bosses of Greater Anglia, Network Rail and the leads from the City and County Council to come along and answer questions. I’m pleased by how many different topics are covered. We hear good news about the delivery of new trains and the end of the frequent weekend engineering works. We see plans for the new second station - I still think it’s taking far too long!
Friday
Go to the Civic Theatre to meet the team from the City Council working on culture and arts. I learn about “Ignite Chelmsford” an exciting new partnership supporting creative talent. Do look them up! A huge group of 7 to 17 year olds are rehearsing for the Wizard of Oz. Such fun!
Very, very good to meet PCSO Sonja Viner and PCSO Sharon Mitchell in Bond Street. They are two of the four new PCSOs who will be dedicated to the City Centre area. I’ve been pressing for more Police in the centre of Chelmsford for a year and it’s great to know this is now happening. Thank you Essex Police and Chelmsford City Council.
The week finishes with another busy Surgery, and trying to get my new printer to work!