As we approach Easter, I am grateful to continue my work to support my constituents right across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. Over the last few months, I have held regular surgeries around the constituency.
Last month, I was delighted to visit Daisy’s in the Park in Pinner Memorial Park to speak to constituents and listen to their concerns. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful cafes on our doorsteps, and I want to thank the team at Daisy’s for their excellent hospitality as well as those who came to speak to me.
My regular surgeries are held at a variety of locations in the patch, and I just recently held one at the Queen’s Head Pub. This pub, among others, has benefited from improved access to high-speed internet, which we all know has been vital for individuals and businesses over the course of the past two years.
From these meetings, I have taken away a number of concerns raised with me, these concerns included the expansion of the ULEZ zone and the worrying rise in the theft of catalytic converters. There is sadly no easy fix for either, but I intend to work with my Parliamentary colleagues and friends on London’s General Assembly to find solutions that work for us. It is also worth mentioning, however, that Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Pinner and Hatch end have recently held a catalytic converter forensic marking event, and I would encourage residents to look to the council website for updates on future events.
Another concern that has been raised by constituents recently is their ability to access cash. With the closure of a number of banks locally, including the closure of Barclay’s local branch, there is real concerns for those who rely on easy access to cash and routine banking services.
The immediate solution is of course to rely upon services provided by the Post Office and the ability to withdraw cash at supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s. However, it is clear that those rely on cash in their daily lives need further long-term solutions. I know that there is ongoing work in Government to increase access to cash including though the wide-spread adoption of cashback in stores, even without a purchase; I will follow this work closely over the coming months.
With this in mind, April will be a busy month for me and my team but if I can provide any assistance to you, I stand ready to help.
First published: My Local News, April 2022
