HearFromYourMP

Previous message | Messages for this constituency | Next message

News from Your Local MP

Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 09:07, Fri 27 May 2011:

WELCOME!

Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter. 

MASSAGE PARLOUR REJECTED

I was pleased to see that the Council has rejected a second application for a ‘massage parlour’ on British Road. I, along with many residents and our local councillors, objected to the latest application. British Road is a quiet, residential area popular with families. Such an establishment here would have been wholly unacceptable. I’m pleased that the Council agree in this instance, but will certainly be happy to help residents if any similarly inappropriate applications are submitted.

PENSIONS LOBBY

Last week I attended a lobby of Parliament organised by Age UK to highlight the Government’s unfair pension changes. The Government have speeded up plans to increase the pension age, and equalise the age for men and women. Steps like these need to be taken carefully and sensitively, ensuring that people have time to prepare for their retirements. Unfortunately the Government’s current plans mean that women born in 1953 and 1954 will be particularly badly affected – they will see their pensions delayed by up to two years and lose out on thousands of pounds. People simply can’t understand why the Government is moving the goal-posts like this and are quite rightly angry about the proposals. I’ll continue to keep the pressure up on the Government to think again.

FIRST GREAT WESTERN

Last week I met with First Great Western for an update on various rail issues including electrification of the mainline between Bristol and London, and the potential for improvements to our local rail network in the south Bristol area. We discussed re-opening the Portishead rail line and the possibility of a new station at Ashton Gate which could help ease congestion on our busy roads.

HOME-START

It was great to catch up with Home-Start last week. They’re a fantastic charity, providing support for parents who, for whatever reason, could do with a bit of extra help when their children are young. From helping parents to access the services they’re entitled to, to providing a listening ear or practical parenting support, Home-Start’s team of dedicated volunteers are there to help. There’s more information on how to get support, or how to volunteer, at http://www.homestartbristol.org.uk/.

WESTMINSTER ROUND-UP

As ever, it’s been a busy couple of weeks up in Parliament. As well as the Pensions Lobby, I called in at a briefing hosted by Cancer Research UK, attended a Carer’s Reception, and went to hear President Obama address Parliament. I also attended an event to promote the RSPCA’s Fairer Fillings campaign. The campaign asks us all to think about animal welfare when we’re buying our sandwiches at lunchtime. Look out for the RSPCA logo on packaging to be sure that strict animal welfare standards have been applied.

SITA TRUST - ENHANCING COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

As regular readers of my newsletter will know, I often include details of grant schemes available to individuals or community groups that have been brought to my attention. This is not intended as an endorsement of the business or organisation promoting the scheme.

SITA Trust is currently inviting applications for its Enhancing Communities Programme. Grants are available for projects that make physical improvements to community facilities and buildings. Applications are accepted from projects which are within 3 miles of qualifying SITA UK waste processing sites. For more information visit: www.sitatrust.org.uk

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just email me at dawn.primarolo.mp@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.