Protecting the Green Belt
As you may be aware, the Government recently completed a consultation on changes to planning policy. Following this, a new ‘housing delivery test’ will be put in place to hold local authorities to account. I understand that this will show whether the number of homes being built is below target, help to establish the reasons […]
Local NHS funding
The Commonwealth Fund, a respected healthcare think-tank which works to improve access to healthcare around the world rated the NHS as the best healthcare system in the world, in an authoritative, comparative study of healthcare systems in developed economies. Whilst there is no room for complacency, I am encouraged that the NHS is performing well, […]
Repeal Bill
An essential first step for a successful Brexit is to pass the Repeal Bill which will ensure that all existing European law becomes British law once we are no longer a member of the EU. This will then allow us to amend or repeal legislation in our own country’s interest. I also agree that if […]
Burnham Allotments
John Whittingdale attended the Digging and Delving exhibition at the Burnham on Crouch Museum on the history of the allotments in Burnham and launch of the associated publication. The concept and implementation of this project was carried out by Create and Flourish CIC, a Community Interest Company based in Burnham which helps local people to […]
Wentworth School
John Whittingdale visited Wentworth School in Viking Road, Maldon, as part of their British Values Week. John met the members of the School Council and then addressed a School Assembly to talk about Democracy and to answer Questions. John said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to Wentworth and was most impressed by the perceptive […]
Victoria Passenger Boat
John Whittingdale visited the refurbished Victoria Passenger Boat at Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow, which is owned and operated by Essex Waterways. The boat was purchased and restored by Essex Waterways with the help of a grant of £32,838 from the Essex Rivers LEADER programme, administered by the Rural Community Council of Essex. John is […]
Bradwell Community Shop
John Whittingdale performed the opening ceremony for the Bradwell Community Shop which has been completely fitted out with new shelving, counters and chiller cabinets. The Community Shop is run by volunteers from the village on a not-for-profit basis and has benefitted from grants from Magnox as well as the Essex Community Fund. John is pictured […]
Fire and Rescue Services
John Whittingdale attended a briefing for Essex MPs from the Essex Fire and Rescue Service at Fire HQ at Kelvedon Park. In particular, John was briefed on the work being done to check the safety of all high rise blocks in the County following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. As well as watching a training exercise […]
RNLI
John Whittingdale attended the Burnham on Crouch RNLI Open day at Burnham Lifeboat station. The day provided opportunities for visitors to learn more about the work of the lifeboat station and included a mock rescue from a life raft in the marina. John said: “it was a thoroughly enjoyable event on a beautiful day. However, […]
Clayhill Vineyard
John Whittingdale opened the new wine shop and tea room attached to Clayhill Vineyard on Lower Burnham Road. The business is owned by Dale and Vicky Symons who first planted the vines in 2006. It now produces approx 50 tonnes of grapes per annum and more than 4,000 bottles of wine have so far been […]