Wansbeck MP

Ian Lavery column: I've used my time to get out and meet my constituents

Posted by The Journal on Jun 8, 11 09:21 AM in Wansbeck MP

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery's weekly column from the Ashington & Morpeth Extra newspaper

This week Parliament has been in recess and I took the opportunity to get out and about and meet individuals, community groups and businesses in the constituency.

I had great pleasure in attending the Newbiggin Ladies Club, which meets in Newbiggin Central Club.

The meeting provided me with an opportunity to meet the members, listen to their views and concerns and respond to the questions they posed.

I held a surgery in North Seaton Community Centre and I would like to thank those persons who took the opportunity to attend and raise issues and concerns with me.

I also had a meeting with county councillor Jim Lang, Stephen Humphries from Wansbeck CVS and Fred Costello, chairman of North Seaton Colliery Community Association, regarding their ongoing work to deliver the development of Castle Island Community Park.

They have encountered a problem at the eleventh hour which has threatened to derail the project.

I am currently working with them to try and overcome the problem. In my view the hard work and vision of North Seaton Colliery Community Association and Coun Jim Lang for the development of a community park is on the brink of becoming a reality.

They have received tireless support and assistance from Stephen Humphries on behalf of Wansbeck CVS in their efforts to deliver this community facility for the benefit of local people.

I visited Rio Tinto Alcan to meet senior executives. I will do all I can to assist Alcan and will work tirelessly to try and safeguard the hundreds of jobs provided there. I have already raised questions in parliament and will be meeting with ministers on these issues.

On Wednesday I visited Stobhill Boys Club in Morpeth following an invitation from Bad Apples North East, a local community interest company. There were a range of activities going on outside in the sunshine including cage football and DJ workshops for 12-17 year olds. It was clearly an excellent day being enjoyed by the local community.

This coming Friday (June 10) I will be holding a surgery in the Hirst Welfare Centre on Alexandra Road, Ashington, from 11am to noon.

Any constituent with a problem or inquiry is welcome to attend.

In the evening, Dennis Skinner MP and myself are speaking at the Miners Memorial Lecture, which is being held at Ashington Community Football Club commencing at 7pm.

This is part of the Northumberland Miners Picnic Weekend.

At 10.30am on the Saturday (June 11) the Miners Memorial Service is being held at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Ashington.

Also on the Saturday there is a family fun day at Woodhorn Museum from 10am to 5pm.

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