Banking Services Update
I want to keep residents fully informed about three key banking developments affecting our area:
Barclays Local in Burnham-on-Crouch (Chapel Road, CM0 8JA) will close on Thursday 14 August 2025. Barclays tells us customer habits have shifted to digital channels and shared banking hubs, leading to declining footfall. They will comply with regulatory requirements by issuing affected customers at least 12 weeks’ notice, a “Reasons for Closure” pack, and details of alternative services.
Cash Access UK’s review for South Woodham Ferrers found no significant gaps. They have assessed that residents already benefit from free cash deposits and withdrawals (personal and business accounts), a Post Office counter, and an ATM—all within one mile. As no deficiency was identified, no new cash-access services are being recommended at this time.
A new Maldon Banking Hub is on the way. Cash Access UK held a public drop-in on 11 June to discuss plans for a Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm hub—open to customers of all banks—offering cash and cheque deposits, withdrawals, balance checks, bill payments, gas/electric top-ups, and change-giving for businesses. You’ll also be able to speak privately with community bankers about more complex queries. We’re finalising premises now and expect it to be operational by March 2026.
I’ll continue to press banks and regulators alike to ensure our communities retain reliable face-to-face and cash services. If you have concerns or need help locating your nearest cash point, please contact my office or use this online link: Cash Locator tool.
Provision for SEND pupils in Maldon Schools
Essex County Council’s Cabinet met on 26th June to consider raising places at the new split-site special school in Rayleigh and South Woodham Ferrers from 190 to 252—150 at Wolsey Park and 102 at the former Chetwood Primary site. An extra £13 million from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation grant will cover rising build costs.
I very much welcome the proposal to expand the capacity of the new special school in Rayleigh and in South Woodham Ferrers. There is growing demand for places in special schools locally with parents currently facing long journeys and lack of places, particularly for those living in remote areas like the Dengie Peninsula. The increase in numbers at the new school will help address this and is very much needed.
Additionally, last week, I challenged the Education Secretary on a glaring funding gap for schools with high numbers of SEND children. Places like All Saints’ Primary in Maldon will receive under 50% of the additional Employer’s National Insurance increase compared to others no or low number of SEND pupils getting 805% or more. This is a further disincentive to admit pupils with special needs.
Update on Pylons
Earlier this spring I joined fellow East Anglian and Essex MPs in pressing the Energy Secretary for clarity on National Grid’s proposed pylon route between Norwich and Tilbury. His reply confirms that overhead lines remain the default choice outside protected landscapes because they are said to cost only one-fifth of underground HVDC cables, deliver up to 6 GW versus 2 GW underground and avoid the deep trenches that would scar woodlands. Yet independent studies and local voices argue that subterranean HVDC may prove more secure, less visually intrusive and even more cost-effective over its lifetime—an option National Grid has so far failed to assess adequately.
We are told the National Electricity System Operator’s Centralised Strategic Network Plan will weigh cost, deliverability, community impact and environmental harm before transmission companies propose routes, with formal consultations to follow. The Government also revives a “bill discount” scheme to reward host communities, though many residents view it as a way to dampen legitimate objections.
I remain unconvinced that headline savings should override our countryside’s value and our right to a fair process. I will keep demanding a transparent, independent review of every expansion option and ensure genuine community input at every stage.
Statement on Nuclear Investment and what it means for Bradwell-on-Sea
The Government has recently revealed a £19.2 billion nuclear package—£14.2 billion for Sizewell C, £2.5 billion for small modular reactors and £2.5 billion for fusion research.
I welcome the Government’s commitment to proceed with new nuclear development which is essential for the UK’s energy security and to reduce carbon emissions from conventional generation. Bradwell-on-Sea, in my constituency, has a long connection with nuclear power generation and was one of the Government’s designated sites for new nuclear investment. As the Secretary of State confirmed in the linked clip below, it remains a good location and I have now arranged to meet officials from the Department to discuss this further.
I also recently visited the site of the former Bradwell Power Station and was shown round by Site Manager, Alan Walker. Bradwell became the first Magnox station to enter “care and maintenance” in 2018. I went on the cap of one of the reactors also visited the Interim Storage Facility where intermediate waste is kept until a geological disposal site is created.
Update on Blackwater Leisure Centre
I have joined forces with Dame Priti Patel to demand clear answers from Maldon District Council over the sudden repurposing of Blackwater Leisure Centre’s main hall. Longstanding groups, from the High Rollers Wheelchair Basketball Club to five-a-side football teams, face eviction with only weeks to find new homes.
In a joint statement, Dame Priti and I have said the following:
“Residents across the District who use the Blackwater Leisure Centre are deeply concerned about the changes that have been made, lack of communications from the Council and the disruption caused by needing to fund new facilities. The Council has failed to communicate effectively and there seems to be the lack of a clear plan to support all groups affected as early as possible. This situation is deeply disappointing and we will keep pressing the Council for answers and to do better for the District’s residents and those who use the leisure centre.” See below for the letter I and Dame Priti have written to the Leader of the Council.
The Leader of MDC has since replied with an update. He explains that a new 18-month contract with Places Leisure starts in August 2025, and will include £6 million of investment not only at Blackwater Leisure Centre but also at Dengie Hundred Sports Centre—promising a bigger gym, clip n climb, health suite, splash pads and other “green” upgrades. It is hoped that this deal will generate about £500,000 a year in revenue for the council.
On relocation, the council and Places Leisure say they’ve contacted all 24 hall users—15 are already in talks about alternative venues—and they will work with any group that needs help, though no formal guarantees have been issued. With work due to start around 18 August, clubs effectively have ten weeks to find new space. Rights of way will be maintained, and the council pledges to improve communication so no one’s left in the dark.
I remain concerned that an important facility for the local community will be lost to the detriment of many user groups. I am aware that there are already several gyms in Maldon and am sceptical about the predicted income. Suggestions that the Plume Academy halls could be used instead also fail to take account of the fact that they are frequently unavailable due to examinations or other needs of pupils.
Iran–Israel–US Tensions
I am sure many of my constituents will have seen and perhaps be anxious about the troubling news headlines in recent days and weeks regarding Iran, Israel and the US.
A a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, I am monitoring the situation closely. I had two meetings with the Iranian Ambassador to the UK and also one with a Colonel in the Israeli Defence Force. Following this, I put a question to the Foreign Secretary:
Proposed Solar Farm at Bramble Hall Fields
I recently met representatives of British Solar Renewables who are proposing a 353-acre solar park at Bramble Hall Farm, Mundon Road.
Any development of this kind requires planning permission from Maldon District Council, and an application is expected before year-end following public consultation. Grid-connection consents are not likely until around 2032, so construction would not begin before 2031 and would last approximately nine months. The panels would remain in place for 40 years, after which the site must be cleared and returned to farmland. Existing public rights of way will be preserved, although short diversions may be necessary during construction. British Solar Renewables meets Mundon Parish soon and will host a drop-in at Mundon Victory Hall on 2 July (3–7 pm); residents can also contact them at info@bramblehallsolarpark.com.
I will continue to press for robust protections for wildlife, views and community access, and will keep residents updated at every stage.
Update on the Dengie Peninsula Wind Farm
Following a presentation I attended back in February, I have received the latest update from Dengie Marshes Wind Farm Ltd on their revised proposals for a new Wind Farm in the Dengie Peninsula.
In response to local feedback and environmental and technical assessments, they have reduced the scheme from 17 turbines to 15 and lowered the maximum blade tip height from 220 metres to 200 metres.
The second public consultation runs from 23rd June to 21st July 2025, with full plans available online from 23rd June. Residents can view the updated layouts in person at exhibitions on:
1st July (Royal Burnham Yacht Club)
4th July (Southminster Memorial Hall)
10th July (Asheldham and Dengie Village Hall)
all between 3pm and 7pm.
I will continue to press the developers on environmental safeguards, landscape impact and community access as this project progresses and will keep my constituents updated accordingly.
Upcoming Road Works & Temporary Closure of Langford Road, Heybridge
I have received advance notice of forthcoming road works and a temporary closure of Langford Road, Heybridge, which will take place to facilitate the opening of the new Heybridge Relief Road (Jubilee Way) later this year.
I understand that this will cause frustration and disruption for residents, as one of the two main roads linking Maldon to the A12 will be closed for over five weeks. To ensure everyone is well-informed, here is the planned timeline for the works:
Phase One: Temporary Traffic Lights (30th June – 22nd July) Temporary traffic signals will be operational along Langford Road. Delays can be expected, but Langford Road and Maldon Road will remain open.
Phase Two: Full Road Closure (23rd July – 31st August) A section of Langford Road will be completely closed. Diversions will be in place via multiple alternative routes, affecting travel between Hatfield Peverel, Heybridge, and Maldon. Bus service arrangements will be outlined separately.
Phase Three: Temporary Traffic Lights (1st – 19th September) Temporary signals will return, with Langford Road and Maldon Road open, but delays are expected.
During the closure, access to properties will be possible, but no vehicles will be allowed through the works while roundabout connections and earthworks are in progress.
I will continue to share further updates as more information becomes available. Please plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time.
Improving Maldon’s Sporting Facilities
I am pleased that three local sports clubs will receive funding for improvements from the Government’s Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme for 2024/25:
Wickford & Runwell United FC (Runwell Park): Total project cost £2,964, with a grant of £2,223 towards new goalposts.
Maldon Saints YFC (Promenade Park): Total project cost £7,800, with a grant of £2,340 towards new goalposts.
Southminster United FC (King George V Playing Field): Total project cost £4,980, with a grant of £3,730 towards upgraded floodlights.
These enhancements will not only improve the quality of our pitches but also inspire greater participation across all ages. I look forward to seeing our community come together on these refreshed grounds—and to the many matches and memories they will host.
Celebrating Young Musical Talent in Southminster!
Back in April, I had the great pleasure of attending the Southminster Competitive Festival of Music at St Leonard’s Church. The festival showcased an incredible range of talent, with young musicians from across Maldon and the Dengie Peninsula taking part.
I was particularly delighted to present the prize to Elowen Fuller, winner of the “Young Musician 11 years and under” category. Elowen’s violin performances were truly impressive, and I congratulate her on this fantastic achievement.
A huge thank you to Southminster Parish Council for organising this event, and a special mention to Cllr Meinir Wyn Davies, whose vision and dedication brought this festival to life. The high standard of performances—spanning Metallica, Iron Maiden, Grieg, and Saint-Saëns—was a testament to the talent of our local young musicians.
It was an honour to support this wonderful initiative and celebrate the next generation of musical talent!
Media Freedom
Several weeks ago in Parliament, I met with Sebastian Lai and his legal team from Doughty Street Chambers to discuss the unjust imprisonment of his father, Jimmy Lai, a British national and renowned pro-democracy campaigner in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai has spent four years in solitary confinement, facing spurious charges of sedition and national security violations—all part of a broader crackdown on media freedom and free speech. His health is rapidly deteriorating, and repeated delays to his trial only add to his suffering. The international community—including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and the European Parliament—has called for his immediate release, but more must be done. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Media Freedom, I will continue working across parties to hold the UK Government accountable and press for action.
Additionally, I have recently written an article for the Times on press freedom regarding the case of another British national undergoing political persecution overseas that many of my constituents have written to me about directly.
That being the ongoing unlawful imprisonment of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a British-Egyptian national and pro-democracy writer, currently being detained by the Egyptian Government for “spreading false news”. I have and continue to call on the Prime Minister and this Labour Government to make good on its supposed commitment to supporting journalistic freedom around the world by applying both diplomatic and economic pressure on the Egyptian regime to secure El-Fattah’s release.
For those interested, do follow the link to my article on the Times website: Starmer must stand up for Briton jailed unlawfully in Egypt
Future of the BBC World Service
Last week in Westminster Hall, I participated in a debate discussing the future funding of the BBC World Service. I would argue the World Service is one of Britain’s greatest soft-power assets. In a world awash with foreign interference and propaganda, our globally trusted news service cuts through the noise, giving citizens from Moldova to Myanmar a reliable lifeline to the truth.
In my speech I warned that Russia and China are flooding social platforms with disinformation just as independent outlets are being silenced, and explained how the World Service relentlessly counters this tide with fact-based reporting. I reminded colleagues that, since 2010, our funding model has depended on a blend of licence-fee contributions and Foreign Office top-ups—but with official development assistance budgets now squeezed, fresh cuts loom large. That’s why I urged the Minister present, not only to protect this vital institution from further reductions but to strengthen its budget.
