This week I meet with key players on the deliverable opportunities for the regeneration of the town centre in Burgess Hill. Its heart has been broken for too long and as I write, on Valentine’s Day, this needs fixing once and for all. The developer has failed to deliver and the Council needs to push harder for action in this growing town which has so many thriving and hardworking town centre businesses. There’s the demand for hotel accommodation for training and networking needs on the business park for our local global players and we must see more progress come forward for this whole area. The LUF bid to government was strong, in a competitive field. I’ve pushed the Council to look to new development partnerships and facilitated meetings locally and in Westminster. It’s time all those responsible step up and bring something forward, this will be my message at the meeting at MSDC as we convene today.
It was brilliant to join St Joseph’s School in Haywards Heath to attend a special ‘Question Time’ Panel debate with BBC Sussex. It was enlightening to hear the wide-ranging views of the pupils which provided me with a great insight as to how they see the world and what they want tackled and support with, to shape their futures.
Diabetes UK have launched a survey which seeks to hear from people on their experiences of living with diabetes. They’re asking both those with the condition and their wider family and carers for their views. To have your say visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DOVQTB/
I was pleased to be able to join the third reading of the Carer’s Leave Bill which will entitle unpaid carers to unpaid leave, providing support to families and individuals who need it. As a family who needed to care when ill health struck, the reality is families need better support and I’ll keep an eye on this as it moves to the Lords.
It’s been recess this week, with coffee mornings, local surgeries and events with businesses. This job never fails in its variety which truly is the spice of MP life.