Following the conclusion of Labour Party Conference last month, I’ve had a busy few weeks visiting local businesses and charities across Chester North and Neston during the conference recess.
The end of September saw us celebrate World Tourism Day. I’m proud that our city continues to attract thousands of tourists each year. Chester has so much to offer and it’s great to hear the news of even more businesses opening up across the city. I would like to thank Jamie Christon of Chester Zoo for recently chairing a meeting with key stakeholders about developing the visitor economy in Chester.
The vibrant business community is instrumental to the success of our city and the collegiate approach they take ensures the city thrives. This is largely facilitated by the work of the amazing team at Chester BID, who ensure our City is an attractive location. It’s great to see the latest addition of the Paddington Bear Bench with several residents already snapping photos at this new landmark.
Our vast business community is well supported by the range of excellent charities who operate across Chester and Neston. It was great to meet several of the representatives of the charities based in the Chester Bluecoat building. One of many iconic buildings in our City and a real asset to the people of Chester. If you or someone you know is ever in need, the organisations operating from the Bluecoat may an ideal first port of call to provide assistance and support.
I’ve also enjoyed visits to Neston, Willaston and Parkgate this month. Firstly meeting with the team at the Neston Community and Youth Centre to learn more about their exciting plans for the future. This excellent community asset is similar to the Chester Bluecoat in that it is host to local charity organisations. On my visit I was able to meet volunteers at the local foodbank and workers at the Job Centre to learn more about the work they are doing to support local residents.
In Willaston, I made my first visit to Willaston Meadow, with the volunteers at the Friends of Willaston Meadow. We have some incredible voluntary organisations in our part of the world with around 15 such groups in Willaston itself. For anyone wanting to soak up the autumn atmosphere and enjoy a nice walk this is another of the many amazing green spaces we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep.
As we approach Parliament Week next month, I’m running a competition for young people to express what they love most about our local area in a 500 word story or poem, a 1 minute video or a piece of artwork. The arts and creative sector is one of the big success stories of our country and we need our young people to harness that creativity to help build on that success. I hope this competition helps engage our local young people in this important sector and hopefully encourage the next Trena Cox to emerge from our city.
Please remember, if you need help or support on any issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk or 01244 343 229.