I wrote to Worcestershire County Council demanding clear answers over gritting and road safety failures during recent snow and icy conditions. Following widespread reports from residents across Redditch and the Villages, I raised concerns about untreated roads and pavements, skidding vehicles and hazardous junctions, causing particular anxiety for vulnerable people. I stressed that my intervention is not a criticism of frontline gritting teams but focuses on planning, priorit

I visited Church Hill Middle School to meet pupils, staff and Principal Laura Jarvis, discussing the school’s positive improvement journey and future priorities. During a student-led Q&A session with the School Council and Head Pupils, I answered thoughtful questions about Parliament, local decision-making and how young people can make their voices heard. I praised pupils for their confidence, curiosity and civic awareness, describing them as “a real credit to the school.” Hi

I welcomed the Minister for the Armed Forces, Alistair Carns MP, to Redditch for a visit celebrating the strength of the local Armed Forces community. Together we visited 37 Signal Regiment, meeting reservists, soldiers and staff to discuss training, modernisation and the Regiment’s vital role in defence communications. The visit also included joining members of the Royal British Legion for the dedication of the “Jarvis Room” at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club, recognisin

I thanked hundreds of local school children across Redditch and the Villages for entering this year’s Christmas card competition. The winning design is by Maggie from Woodfield Academy, which will feature on the front of my constituency Christmas card. Runners-up Alice from St Pete’s Catholic Middle School, Jacob from Walkwood Middle School, Ivana from St Thomas Mall Catholic First School and Henok from Picture Oak School will also be featured. I also thanked sponsors 10 Pin,

I updated residents on the campaign against plans for a 51‑person HMO on the former Hotel Rafiya site in Winyates Green. I praised local residents and the Winyates Green Residents Association for submitting nearly 500 objections to Redditch Borough Council, calling the proposal “completely unsuitable and inappropriate” for the area. I urged planning officers to use their delegated powers to reject the application without it going to committee and pledged to attend any plannin

I celebrated Small Business Saturday by meeting local entrepreneurs, including The Redditch Craft Bakery and Rusty’s Collectables, highlighting the vital role small businesses play in keeping Redditch’s high streets vibrant. I praised the dedication of family-run shops and independent retailers, noting that Redditch has nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized businesses. I highlighted recent government support, including energy bill cuts, expanded apprenticeships and increased fu

I met with Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce KFSM to discuss local fire and rescue priorities in Redditch and the surrounding villages. They discussed recruitment, community fire safety, home visits and joint working between fire and police services. I praised firefighters for their vital work and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships to keep communities safe. I welcomed the opportunity to deepen engagement and ensure residents benefit from improved emergen

I hosted a well-attended Coffee Morning at the REDI Centre, fulfilling my pledge to be accessible and listen directly to residents. Over 30 local people attended, raising issues including the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation, dangerous driving, parking pressures, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. I committed to raising these concerns with the council, police and health bodies to push for practical solutions. I thanked attendees for sharing their experiences and conf

I joined West Mercia Police on patrol in Redditch town centre as part of the government’s “Winter of Action” initiative. The campaign targets shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour, with increased uniformed patrols and partnership work to protect shoppers, retail workers and visitors. I accompanied officers to see how they are tackling prolific offenders and supporting local businesses. I praised the work of neighbourhood policing teams and pledged to continue wor

I visited VIP Day Centre in Winyates to celebrate 10 years of award-winning, affordable dementia care in Redditch. I praised the centre’s person-centred approach, which helps reduce social isolation and enables people to remain at home longer. VIP Day Centre’s services cost just £11.95–£12.50 per hour, a fraction of domiciliary care and have won national recognition for quality and innovation. I highlighted the vital support the centre provides for families and pledged to cha

I thanked residents who attended my latest Coffee Morning at Batchley Community Centre, where local people raised concerns about fly tipping, damp and mould in homes, anti-social behaviour and road safety around Hewell Road and Batchley Road. Residents also highlighted the need for more youth provision, school parking solutions and interest in a residents’ association. I confirmed my team is already following up cases with the council, housing providers and police. I will now

I visited Acts of Kindness (Redditch Foodbank) on Church Green East to support this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal. I met Wellbeing Project Manager Nancy Deakin and volunteers, seeing gift-wrapping sessions and hearing how the team is ensuring children from families facing hardship receive presents this Christmas. I praised the charity’s year-round work and said no child should wake up without a gift. I encouraged residents and local businesses to donate new, unwrapped toys, vol

Thank you to everyone who has got in touch regrading the private planning application to turn Hotel Rafiya into a 51 unit house of multiple occupancy. I have shared my objections as a local stakeholder, and you can too. I do not believe that this is a suitable site for such a rapid increase in residents, and without upgrading local provision and infrastructure, this would put an unnecessary straight on local services. I also have concerns about the quality of the proposed hou

I took part in Mitzvah Day at Alexandra Hospital, joining volunteers from the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, NHS staff and community members to serve refreshments to patients, staff and visitors. Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, promoting unity and compassion. I praised the spirit of the event, highlighting how acts of kindness bring people together and strengthen the community. I thanked the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum and all volunteers

I joined residents, veterans, schoolchildren and emergency service workers for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day ceremonies in Redditch and Astwood Bank. I marched in Astwood Bank and laid wreaths in both communities, joining the silence at the eleventh hour to honour those who served and sacrificed. I praised the dedication of volunteers and the Royal British Legion for making the events possible. I highlighted the importance of young people’s involvement and the values o

I joined residents and local businesses in supporting a relief effort for St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Redditch, twinned with St Elizabeth since 2006, is rallying to collect essential supplies such as food, hygiene products and batteries. The appeal is led by Damian Simpson of D&D Roofing Supplies, with donations accepted until 15 November. I praised the community’s compassion and leadership, highlighting Redditch’s long

I congratulated the team at Asda Redditch on their 10th anniversary, marking a decade of service to the local community. Since opening in 2015, Asda has supported local jobs, provided essential goods and contributed to the town’s wellbeing through community initiatives and fundraising. The store celebrated its milestone with in-store events, bringing together staff and shoppers. I praised Asda’s ongoing commitment to local families and good causes, thanking the team for their

I visited The Old Needleworks Foundation to see how its partnership with FareShare UK is tackling food waste and supporting families in Redditch. The initiative redistributes surplus food from supermarkets and suppliers to local charities, ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. I praised the dedication of staff and volunteers, highlighting how their work strengthens community resilience and combats hunger. I thanked FareShare UK and The Old Needleworks Foundation for

I visited Tesco Extra, Redditch to support Usdaw’s ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign, standing up for shopworkers facing violence and abuse. I met with union representatives and staff, highlighting the alarming rise in incidents and backing calls for stronger protections. I praised shopworkers for their vital role in the community and supported new laws making assaults on retail workers a standalone offence. I also backed efforts to remove the £200 shoplifting threshold and implem

I visited Batchley First and Nursery School to meet pupils, staff and governors, celebrating the school’s inclusive ethos and community spirit. I toured classrooms, enjoyed a game of Connect Four on the playground and was shown the new library by enthusiastic pupils. I praised the school’s commitment to kindness, respect and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I highlighted the positive atmosphere and the dedication of staff and governors, tha