Stopping sewage dumping in our river remains one of my top priorities. I am working with local groups, including Chester Sustainability Forum, on practical ways to alleviate pressure in our water system.
The latest progress on tackling sewage dumping focuses on development of sustainable urban drainage schemes to help slow the flow of water into the combined sewerage system, ensuring spillage events occur less frequently.
I would also like to congratulate Deva Canoe Club on attaining Champion Club status from British Canoeing. I was pleased to present the award after participating in their River Dee cleanup.
I was honoured to represent our city at the Coronation of King Charles III, on 6th May. I joined fellow North West Labour MPs Andrew Gwynne, Cat Smith and Barbara Keeley at Westminster Abbey.
I was glad to see the Coronation was well celebrated in Chester with street parties across the area. I’d also like to welcome Prince William’s appointment as the Earl of Chester. Our city has strong links to the monarchy, including hosting King Charles II during the Siege of Chester in the English Civil War.
I joined the Friends of Overleigh Cemetery with Cllr Matt Carter and Michael Mitchell. The group helps maintain the cemetery and has uncovered lots of history about it, including a mass grave of Cholera victims from Victorian times. I have put the group in touch with the University of Chester Medical History team to explore possible research projects. I look forward to seeing this partnership progress.
Last month I spoke at the launch of the University of Chester Law School. The opening of the Law School also featured the launch of a report on the social impact of the University on local communities staff and students. You can read the report on the Purpose Coalition website here: https://www.purpose-coalition.org/impact-reports/uni-of-chester
I visited our world-leading Chester Zoo to discuss how I can support their fantastic conservation work. I met with a team of elephant experts to learn more about the pioneering work they are doing to develop a vaccine against Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) – a deadly disease threatening the survival of Asian elephants worldwide.
I was given a tour of the zoo’s latest area – The Square – which will have various uses, including educational facilities for local children on their visits. The zoo are also working towards achieving net-zero and have been working with Chester Community Energy to find sustainable solutions. Last month, I met with some of the members of Chester Community Energy to discuss the climate crisis and what policies the Government needs to adopt to help support smaller community energy providers. You can find out more about Chester Community Energy here: http://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/
Some of you may have seen my interview with Chester BID as part of their #InvestChester series. Chester BID are boosting investment in our city with a series of videos showcasing why Chester is a great place to live, work and visit.
As your MP I’ve been actively engaging with several key stakeholders and employers in our city. Since my last CLP update, I have met with the Dean of the Cathedral, CEO of the Racecourse, representatives of Bristol Myers Squibb and Marks and Spencers, as well as visiting local nurseries. I’m proud of our city and will continue to champion our unique city and fight it’s corner in Westminster.
My office continues to support local residents through the cost-of-living crisis. I met with local foodbank volunteers and trustees to discuss how I can support the work they do and what issues they are facing . On my visit to a local foodbank last month I encountered local pensioners who were having to rely on the foodbank for the first time in their life. Pension Credit uptake remains low, meaning local pensioners are not receiving the support they need.
As we approach Pension Credit awareness week in June I will continue to share posts on social media to try and increase uptake locally, ensuring more money enters our local economy. I would be grateful if members could share these posts to ensure eligible constituents know that help is available.