August 2008 - Newsletter from Margot James
August newsletter
Keeping you up to date with my latest activities in Stourbridge.
August 7th 2008
Dear Supporter,
Thank you to those of you who sent feedback following my July e wire. I aim to make the sections on this news wire shorter with links to my website so that you can click for more information on a particular item. July was a short month as I went away for the last week, but there was still plenty going on.
Back in the business world I was honoured to receive the Pharmaceutical Communications Industry ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Read more
Campaigning
- We produced and distributed a leaflet around 5000 homes in Pedmore. Many thanks to our councillors in Pedmore and other volunteers who helped with delivery.
- We canvassed in Pedmore and heard concerns about the state of the roads, bus routes and the NHS.
- I met representatives of PostComm, regulator of Royal Mail. I also spoke to the regional management of the Post Office Network to raise the concerns of local people about the future of our Post Offices. The regional manager agreed to meet with Cllr. Margaret Cowell and myself ahead of the public consultation on closures on August 27th, the Post Office have since backtracked on this so I am continuing to lobby for a meeting.
- I spoke at the Chesham & Amersham Constituency Association who are supporting the Dudley seats. Cheryl Gillan MP advised me that she has been able to save two Post Offices in her area (that were otherwise facing closure) so there is hope if we work at getting the best possible result.
- I wrote to the Chairman of Dudley PCT, all the PCT non executive directors and members of the Dudley Council Health and Social care scrutiny committee about the outrageous decision to deny sight saving treatment (Lucentis) to our older residents who are at risk of going blind. I also wrote to the Chairman of the Dudley Council Health and Adult Social Care committee asking that they hold the PCT to account over this. I am delighted that a month later the PCT have finally caved in and agreed to fund this treatment.
Media
- I gave an interview to the Stourbridge News which got good coverage on the issue of our PCT denying the sight saving treatment. 80% of PCTs around the country now fund this essential treatment. We got the front page of the Stourbridge Chronicle and the Halesowen News plus coverage in the Express & Star for this story.
- I gave an interview to the Sunday Times, which also mentioned the PCT issue and law and order in Stourbridge.
- The Stourbridge News published my letter about Labour’s hapless licensing laws.
- I was interviewed by Russell Eden on ‘Bridge Radio’.
Out and About In July my focus was on young people. I found time for other things too but for young people I also visited:
In addition to my focus on young people I also visited the Lye Community Centre for a meeting with Asian women about domestic violence. I didn’t expect to have to get up on stage at the end of the meeting to take a lesson in belly dancing in front of everyone, but there you are, politics is full of the unexpected. Read more Residents Association I attended the Norton Green Tenants and Residents Association meeting and have followed up with the police regarding a change in crime reporting procedures that has been poorly received. Am also organising for the committee to visit the Houses of Parliament in the Autumn. Business and ethnic minorities I chaired a meeting at Birmingham City Council as part of the national “Lets Talk Business Road show” which I help to run for women from ethnic minorities nationally. Cllr Alan Rudge, Diversity and Equalities lead member on Birmingham Council was present and there was representation from Advantage West Midlands and Business Link. Association Activity Feedback Please forward this campaign update on to any fellow Conservatives in our area who you think would be interested. If you would like to help the campaign in Stourbridge then please do contact me: margot@stourbridgeconservatives.com. We are always grateful for support. Margot
Young People
Domestic Violence
Best wishes
