A huge thank you to the over 100 Copthorne residents who joined me on Thursday braving the awful weather for my ‘Meet Mims’ Q&A. We were originally booked within Copthorne Village, but after countless requests from residents, we needed to book an even larger venue, Worth School jumped to the rescue, and we used their stunning theatre.
Emotions were, as expected, running high regarding the Copthorne Hotel, illegal working, and anti-social behaviour associated with the usage of the hotel. I was joined by Cllr Gary Marsh and Cllr Liz Williams who also answered questions on the topic and to hear from residents. I will be raising several questions directly with the Home Office team as requested re: curfews and not using their subsistence cards for alcohol. I will also be organising even more 'Meet Mims' events in the new year, as well as more casual pub meets with Cllrs, on top of my usual weekly surgery appointments, and the tours in Parliament, PMQs, and more youth-oriented information events.
It's going to be another busy year of MP activity, so it you're not sick of me yet, do sign up to my newsletter through my website to keep up to date and I can't wait to meet even more of you, as well as seeing some familiar faces!
Regarding immigration issues, I joined Nus Ghani MP for her public meeting with the Home Office and WDC Leadership regarding what is happening at the Crowborough Army Camp. Whilst this is just on the other side of our constituency, I’ve received countless emails from constituents, and this will also affect Wealden District services and resources. Cllr James Partridge stated WDC would take legal action against the Home Office. Since this meeting, Nus, Dr Kieran Mullan MP and I have written to WDC as it is vital we’ve clarity of the facts for residents. If you haven't already, please do sign my petition - https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/no-asylum-housing-crowborough-training-camp
It was an honour to join residents of Danehill at the Ashdown Cafe - their wonderful atmosphere counteracted the soggy weather we’d been having. This fantastic group volunteer and work so hard to bring the community together on the 2nd Friday of every month. Several residents don't see people for weeks and greatly look forward to joining others in a warm and welcoming environment with amazing cake, biscuits, tea, coffee and most importantly, a friendly chat. I highly recommend joining this fantastic group of residents at the Danehill Memorial Hall, you’ll be sure to arrive to big smiles and the warmest welcome. So many of these events happen across villages across my area run by volunteers to support the group, so pop along to your nearest and get involved.
Pay As You Go with contactless ticketing will be going live at 50 stations across the South East on the 14th December, including East Grinstead station which I know constituents will be happy about as I’ve received numerous emails on the subject. Following the very welcome news of a much-needed increase in Off Peak services between East Grinstead and London Victoria – Monday to Friday beginning on15th December- something my team are very pleased to have pushed for-meanwhile there are multiple statements on my website regarding other national issues such as Immigration, Climate Change, Animal Welfare, Child Benefit Cap, the Family Farm Tax and much more.
