June: community, opportunity and local pride

June has been a busy and rewarding month, both here in Erewash and further afield. As ever, much of my time has been spent meeting residents, supporting local organisations, listening to concerns and making the case for our area in Westminster and beyond. It has also been a month that has highlighted the strength of our communities, from volunteers and carers to young people, apprentices and local campaigners who work every day to improve the places we call home.

Looking back over the past few weeks, I am struck by how much of what I have done comes back to a simple principle. Politics works best when it is rooted in people, places and practical action. Whether celebrating achievements, addressing local concerns or discussing the future direction of our country, my focus remains on making sure Erewash has a strong voice and a fair deal.

Celebrating skills, education and opportunity
One of the highlights of the month was returning to the University of Nottingham to celebrate the first cohort of degree-level electromechanical engineering apprentices completing their five-year programmes. Before entering Parliament, I taught on those apprenticeships, so seeing those young engineers present their final projects and talk about the careers they are now embarking upon was particularly special.

Much has been said in recent years about the importance of skills and technical education, but there is nothing quite like seeing the outcomes in person. These apprentices have developed enormously over the past five years and many have already secured excellent jobs. Their success is a testament not only to their own hard work but also to the dedication of the university staff who helped guide them.

Education was also a theme later in the month when I welcomed pupils from English Martyrs’ Catholic Voluntary Academy to Parliament. School visits are always among my favourite engagements because young people invariably ask some of the most thoughtful and challenging questions. It is important that every young person has the opportunity to engage with our democratic institutions and to understand how decisions are made.

Alongside that, I was delighted to learn more about the training of new Mental Health Support Teams in Derbyshire. Evidence from elsewhere in the country has demonstrated the positive impact these teams can have on pupils’ wellbeing, attendance and attainment. Supporting young people with their mental health is increasingly important, not only for their education but for their future opportunities and life chances.

Investing in communities for the long term
A particularly significant moment this month was attending the first meeting of the new Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Board.

Last year, we secured £20 million of investment for Cotmanhay, to be spent over the course of a decade. What makes this programme different is that local people will guide its direction. Rather than having decisions imposed from above, residents, businesses and community representatives will help shape the future of their area.

The board now has the task of developing a long-term vision and a detailed programme of projects. While some may be frustrated that visible spending is not beginning immediately, I strongly believe that taking the time to get this right is essential. After years of being overlooked, communities such as Cotmanhay deserve thoughtful, sustained investment rather than short-term announcements.

Across Erewash, I continue to hear from residents about local priorities and aspirations. Those conversations are invaluable and help ensure that major investment reflects the needs and ambitions of the people who live there.

The strength of voluntary action
June also provided several opportunities to celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers across our communities.

At the Erewash Community Celebration at Long Eaton Rugby Club, organised by Erewash Voluntary Action, I met volunteers and representatives from numerous charities, community groups and local organisations. The breadth of their work was remarkable. Whether tackling loneliness, supporting older people, helping young people or promoting wellbeing, these groups make an enormous difference to daily life across our borough.

I was honoured to present awards recognising outstanding voluntary contributions. Such recognition can never fully capture the impact volunteers have, but it is important to take time to thank those who so often work quietly behind the scenes.

I also spent time at the Draycott Open Gardens Festival, a wonderful showcase of community spirit, creativity and local pride. Residents opened their gardens, volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes and visitors enjoyed a fantastic weekend that will help support future community projects. Events such as these remind us that strong communities are built through countless acts of generosity and participation.

Later in the month, Long Eaton Carnival once again demonstrated the very best of local life. The parade, stalls and entertainment drew thousands of people together and created another memorable day for the town. None of it would be possible without the volunteers who spend months fundraising, planning and organising. Their commitment deserves enormous credit.

Supporting carers and recognising unseen contributions
During Carers Week, I attended a special event at Ilkeston Hospital celebrating carers and recognising their immense contribution to society.

Too often, unpaid carers go unnoticed despite the vital role they play in supporting family members and loved ones. The discussions during the event highlighted both the scale of unpaid caring responsibilities and the challenges many carers face. It was particularly encouraging to see Derbyshire Community Health Services receive recognition as a carer-friendly employer.

Meeting organisations such as Derbyshire Carers Association and the Centre for Care reinforced the importance of ensuring carers have access to support, understanding and practical assistance. As our population changes and caring responsibilities affect more families, this work will only become more important.

Listening to residents and tackling local concerns
One of the most important parts of my role is simply getting out and speaking to people.

This month, I spent time door knocking on the Norfolk Road estate in Long Eaton, talking directly with residents about the issues affecting their daily lives. Concerns ranging from tree maintenance and grass cutting to potholes and general environmental upkeep may not always generate headlines, but they matter enormously to the people dealing with them.

These conversations allow me to raise problems with the relevant authorities and help ensure that local voices are heard. I firmly believe that representatives should listen throughout the year, not just during election campaigns.

Maintaining that connection with residents remains one of my core priorities. No report or briefing paper can substitute for hearing directly from people about their experiences and concerns.

Environment, waterways and local improvements
Protecting and improving our local environment featured prominently during June.

I was delighted to take part once again in the Big Paddle Clean Up alongside Paddle UK and local Sea Scouts. Spending time on our waterways collecting litter may seem like a modest activity, but it speaks to a wider commitment to protecting our natural environment and ensuring future generations can enjoy clean and thriving blue spaces.

The event also coincided with important national discussions about future water reform. Environmental stewardship requires both local action and meaningful policy change, and I was pleased to support efforts on both fronts.

Another positive development was the opening of the new Britannia Mill Bridge in Long Eaton. This project represents a significant improvement in local connectivity, making it easier for residents to access the canal, river and town centre on foot or by bicycle. Projects such as this often take years to deliver, but seeing them finally come to fruition is immensely satisfying.

Standing up for local banking services
One issue that generated significant concern this month was the announcement that Lloyds Bank intends to close its Ilkeston branch next year.

Like many residents, I was disappointed by the decision. Physical banking services remain essential for many people, particularly older residents and those who may struggle with digital alternatives.

Following the announcement, I sought an urgent meeting with senior representatives from the bank. While I remain concerned about the broader trend of banks withdrawing from town centres, I welcomed commitments that community banking services would continue to be provided locally and that support would be available for customers transitioning to online banking where appropriate.

I will continue engaging with Lloyds to ensure those commitments are delivered and that local residents remain informed about future arrangements.

Reflecting on national events
Not every event during the month was positive. I was deeply saddened by the train collision near Bedford on the East Midlands Main Line. As someone who regularly uses rail services across our region, I know how closely connected many local people feel to these routes. My thoughts remain with everyone affected and with the emergency services who responded so professionally.

I also joined fellow MPs in responding to the publication of Donna Ockenden’s report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The findings were deeply troubling and underline the importance of accountability, transparency and meaningful improvement across our healthcare system.
At the national political level, June saw significant developments following Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister and Labour leader. While leadership transitions inevitably attract attention, my own focus remains on delivering for Erewash. The people who elected me expect practical results rather than endless political speculation and that remains my guiding principle.

Wins this month
My team have been working as hard as ever to support local people – here’s the things we’ve won on this month:

• Secured £1,000 in Pension Credit arrears for a resident and increased their future payments following DWP delays;

• Prevented an elderly resident from being evicted from their care home;

• Got Severn Trent to complete works beneath a resident’s property to prevent subsidence;

• Ensured play equipment in West Park was cleaned;

• Helped a Sandiacre resident reduce unfair parking charges from nearly £1,000 to £70;

• Got the school warning light on Cavendish Road in Ilkeston repaired;

• Worked with the council to address overflowing bins on Palmerston Road in Ilkeston;

• Supported a resident in securing compensation after their car was damaged by a pothole;

• Prevented a working mother with a newborn baby from unfairly losing her Universal Credit;

• Helped a resident secure the documentation needed to confirm their status, obtain a passport and return to work;

• Worked with the council to secure replacement play equipment at Granby Park in Ilkeston;

• Liaised with Erewash Borough Council to ensure continued maintenance of Norfolk Road Park in Long Eaton;

• Worked with the council to secure replacement goalposts for Springfield Park in Sandiacre;

• Got EMH to expedite works so a resident could move into their new home;

• Secured repairs to a dangerous pothole on Cotmanhay Road in Ilkeston; and

• Helped a resident rearrange a DWP assessment that had been booked during their holiday.

Looking ahead
As June came to a close, I spent time meeting with Andy Burnham and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the East Midlands.

Our conversations covered transport, infrastructure, devolution, high streets, universities and economic growth. Above all, we discussed how regions such as ours can secure the investment and decision-making powers needed to succeed. For too long, places like Erewash have seen growth constrained by underinvestment in infrastructure and a lack of local control.

That is why I continue to advocate for measures that give communities more power over their own futures. Whether it is improving transport links, delivering projects such as Junction 25A, supporting apprenticeships, strengthening local services or investing in town centres, the goal is the same: creating good jobs, stronger communities and better opportunities.

The month has once again demonstrated what makes Erewash special. It is the volunteers who give their time, the carers who support loved ones, the teachers who inspire young people, the community groups that bring people together and the residents who care deeply about where they live.

Their commitment gives me optimism for the future. As we move into the second half of the year, I will continue working to ensure that Erewash’s voice is heard and that our communities receive the attention, investment and opportunities they deserve.