February: Apprenticeships, brass bands and community housing

February has been a month rooted in community, opportunity and the steady, often unseen work that makes a difference both here in Erewash and down in Westminster. As always, I have been sharing updates day by day, but here’s a summary of the full month.

Standing up for pet owners and animal welfare
The month began with an issue close to home for me as the proud owner of my two cats, Morty and Winry. Pet owners across Erewash know the anxiety that can come with rising veterinary costs and unclear information. For too long, the legislation governing veterinary services has remained largely unchanged since the nineteen sixties. That is why I was pleased to support significant reforms this month to improve transparency in pricing, introduce proper licensing of veterinary practices, bring veterinary nurses into regulation and create a fairer complaints process. Alongside action on puppy smuggling, electric shock collars and trail hunting, these measures will help build a system that works better for animals and for the people who care for them. It is practical reform that will make a real difference to families locally and nationally.

Supporting our high streets
I spent much of the month out and about with local businesses. In Ilkeston, I visited Nationwide on Bath Street to discuss the future of high street banking. With so many branches closing across the country, it was reassuring to hear their commitment to keeping branches open until at least two thousand and thirty. Around twenty thousand people locally bank with them, nearly half of all households. That kind of presence matters for our town centres. We also spoke about crime and antisocial behaviour, and I outlined the additional officers coming into Derbyshire Police and the new respect orders in the Police and Crime Bill.

I also swapped the suit jacket for an apron at Costa in the Albion Centre and tried my hand at being a barista. Our high streets are changing, with retail moving increasingly online and leisure and hospitality playing a larger role. The Albion Centre has faced challenges, but businesses like Costa show there is still opportunity. In Long Eaton, I enjoyed a visit to Copper Cogs, one of many fantastic independent spots that give our towns their character. Supporting the Long Eaton Business Partnership and championing independent businesses is a key part of building resilient local economies.

Skills, apprenticeships and good jobs
National Apprenticeships Week ran like a thread through February. At Webs Training in Beeston, I met apprentices learning upholstery and manufacturing skills that are part of Long Eaton’s proud heritage. Their professionalism and commitment were inspiring. Protecting and investing in these skills is essential if we are to secure well paid jobs for the next generation.

That focus on good jobs was underlined when Erewash Borough Council’s planning committee approved a major development at New Stanton Park. The decision clears the way for over a hundred new roles, with Italian manufacturer Fassa Bortolo set to open a factory on the site of the former Stanton Ironworks. Bringing high quality manufacturing back to such a historic site is hugely symbolic. There are understandable concerns about traffic and infrastructure, and I will continue pressing for improvements including the long discussed rail spur and progress on Junction twenty five A. But this investment represents real opportunity for local people.

I also visited Asda in Long Eaton to learn about their degree level dispensing optician apprenticeships and retail management pathways, and JTL Training in Sandiacre, where apprentices train as electricians and plumbers. At JTL we held a roundtable discussion about the future of the sector, the challenges it faces and the opportunities ahead. Those conversations are invaluable when I am speaking to ministers in Westminster.

Scrutiny in Westminster
While much of my work happens in the constituency, February also involved detailed legislative work in Parliament. I completed my service on the Finance Bill Committee, where MPs from across parties scrutinise legislation line by line. It is not the most glamorous aspect of politics, but it is where the serious work happens. The Finance Bill enacts the measures announced in the Budget, and it is vital that it is carefully examined to ensure it delivers as intended.

Listening on the doorstep
Valentine’s Day was spent knocking doors in Cotmanhay and Shipley View, speaking with residents about road repairs, the town centre and ideas for Pride in Place funding. Doorstep conversations remain one of the most important parts of this job. They provide honest feedback and help shape the priorities I take forward.

I also held a constituency advice surgery in Sandiacre, meeting residents to discuss everything from complex casework to big ideas for the future of our area. Being accessible and responsive is central to how I approach this role.

Community, health and wellbeing
As a former teacher, I was delighted to visit Chaucer Junior School in Ilkeston to speak with pupils about belonging and inclusion. Seeing young people reflect thoughtfully on respect and community gives real hope for the future.

Community spirit was also on display at the Manor Foundation open day at Ilkeston Town Football Club and at the Wellbeing Erewash Roadshow at Arena Church. These events brought together local police, charities and health organisations to promote physical and mental wellbeing. I even took the opportunity to have my blood pressure checked.

Mental health has been a particular focus this month. I was honoured to be named a Movember Men’s Mental Health Champion in recognition of work to push for a stronger national strategy. Locally, I visited Together We Lift at The Unit in Ilkeston, supported by Derbyshire Mind. The initiative uses weightlifting as a way to bring people together and open up conversations about depression, anxiety and suicide. The courage of those involved and the sense of solidarity they have built is genuinely inspiring.

Tackling housing challenges
One of the tougher meetings this month took place in Long Eaton, where residents shared concerns about the growth of houses in multiple occupation on their streets. Emotions were understandably high. The introduction of an Article Four Direction in Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Sandiacre will give the council stronger planning powers, but the wider legal framework too often prioritises landlords over communities. I will continue to press for a fairer balance, ensuring that homes are safe and that neighbours have a real say in what happens where they live.

Heritage, service and opportunity
I received a warm welcome from Ilkeston Brass, a community band with roots stretching back to the nineteen twenties and the old Stanton works. Supporting efforts in Parliament to promote brass bands nationally is something I am proud to be involved in, drawing on my own experience in a marching band as a teenager.

I have also been campaigning for the creation of a National Cadets Week. As a former cadet, I know how transformative that experience can be. I raised the idea directly with the Leader of the House and followed up with ministers to ensure it is taken seriously. Our local cadet units do incredible work, often with limited resources, and they deserve recognition.

Fighting for better transport
Transport and connectivity are vital to our long term prosperity. Towards the end of the month I met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, alongside fellow Midlands MPs. I made the case for reopening the connection between the Erewash Valley Line and the Robin Hood Line, resolving the lingering issues affecting Long Eaton residents after the cancellation of the eastern leg of HS2 Ltd, and finally delivering electrification of the Midlands Main Line. Better rail links could unlock huge opportunities for Ilkeston, Long Eaton and our surrounding villages, and I will continue to push for progress.

I also spent time in Manchester supporting our Labour candidate in a by election. While my focus is always Erewash, it is valuable to stand alongside colleagues across the country and understand the challenges facing communities elsewhere.

Wins this month
My team have been working as hard as ever to support local people – here’s an array of this month’s wins:

• Secured full damp treatment, mould removal and replastering after a housing association failed to tackle serious mould.

• Supported Erewash Borough Council in investigating bin collection issues on a narrow road in Long Eaton.

• Helped a resident apply for the Warmer Homes Grant.

• Assisted families in accessing council and legal support after section twenty one eviction notices.

• Recovered four thousand pounds owed to a resident by HMRC after transfer delays.

• Arranged anti graffiti paint for a vandalism hotspot in Kirk Hallam.

• Wrote in support of a child’s EHCP application at tribunal.

• Worked with the council to replace a missing street sign in Ilkeston.

• Helped a resident retrieve their driving licence from the DVLA after delays.

• Secured transport for a homeless man to return to his home town for housing support.

• Coordinated with the council to adjust bin collections to prevent damage to a resident’s property.

• Assisted a small business owner to identify grants and loans, leading to talks with a prospective investor.

• Supported a local gymnastics club in securing three thousand five hundred pounds of council funding for new equipment.

• Arranged a new grit bin for a street with several elderly residents in Kirk Hallam.

• Secured a long awaited response from HMRC for an elderly resident after six months.

• Helped a resident recover their driving licence following delays in the DVLA medical department.

Looking ahead

From barista shifts to bill committees, from school visits to strategic transport meetings, February has been a reminder of the breadth of this role. At its heart, though, everything comes back to the same purpose: creating opportunity, strengthening community and ensuring that Erewash has a confident voice locally and nationally.

There is always more to do. In the months ahead I will continue pressing for better transport links, fairer housing rules, stronger support for mental health and more good quality jobs for local people. I am grateful to everyone who has welcomed me, challenged me and worked alongside me this month. Together, we can keep building a brighter future for Erewash.