This week feels very much like a week of reflection following last week’s Local Elections in England.
Across England, voters have put their faith in Labour and elected over 500 new Labour Councillors, we’ve won control of another twenty-two English Councils, resulting in Labour now being the largest Party in Local government. In contrast, the Conservatives lost over 1,000 Council seats – a clear rejection of the tired, worn-out, out of touch, and out of ideas Conservative Party.
After thirteen years of divided and weak Conservative government, voters went to the polls concerned about the cost-of-living and breakdown in public services. Reflecting on the fact that too many of us are being held back from working and living our lives to the full, they saw Labour offering the policies the country desperately needs to give Britain back its future.
In Edgbaston, residents continue to share with me how the cost of living is impacting them. The economic outlook remains desperate for so many in our constituency and our country. But the Conservatives can never be the solution for Britain when they have created so many of the problems.
The Labour Party is listening and focusing on the areas that matter most to voters to build a better Britain!
Coronation Celebrations
The past weekend was one of wonderful celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. I recall when I met His Majesty, he spoke about the Sikh contribution to World Wars, and I told him about my Great Grandfather who fought for the British in World War I based in France. This is part of the Commonwealth story – one which all of us, in some way, are a part of.
On Sunday, I joined Moor Pool Residents’ Association for the King’s Coronation picnic and bench unveiling. The bench is to honour the reign of our wonderful late Queen Elizabeth II. I wish to give my thanks to the organisers for putting on a brilliant day, and to all who attended.
Later that day, I attended a Coronation Street Party on Wadhurst Road. There was a great community spirit, plenty of food and activities and thankfully the weather was lovely too!
I hope everyone across Edgbaston constituency had a similarly joyous Coronation weekend. It would be great to see photos from your own street parties and events.
Century Tower Visit
For a long time now, I have been supporting residents who live in Century Tower in Edgbaston. They have been raising serious problems around anti-social behaviour and the maintenance and upkeep of the communal areas.
After writing to all residents in Century Tower earlier this year to get a fuller picture, I organised a meeting with Birmingham City Council Housing Officers. We met on-site on Thursday to discuss the issues and agree an action plan to address these matters once and for all.
Residents deserve to live safely, securely, and peacefully in their homes, and I wish to extend once again my support to residents in Century Tower to seeing through improvements. I also wish to thank Birmingham City Council for attending and for their constructive meeting with me.
Our constituency is home to many residential blocks, which are often difficult to access during door knocking, campaigning, and leafletting, I am keen to hear from anyone who has concerns about their own apartment block. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Local News
On Friday 5 May, Birmingham City Council began consulting on road safety measures for Metchley Lane in Harborne. This includes the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, installation of two Vehicle Activated Speed Signs, and associated road markings and signage. Residents should have had letters dropped by the Council on this date and the consultation is open until Friday 19 May.
Similarly on Friday, the consultation for speed calming measures on Fountain Road closed. The proposed scheme comprises of the construction of traffic speed cushions and associated signage and road markings. I know speeding in this area is a concern and I look forward to receiving updates from the Council in due course.
On Thursday, I met with local Inspector Jason Wathes to discuss crime and policing in our constituency. On a weekly basis residents raise crime issues, especially burglaries. Given cuts to funding and decimation of neighbourhood policing, I am fighting for more resources.
On Sunday 13 May, from midday, FoodCycle returns to Quinton at Saint Boniface Church, 48 Quinton Road West, Quinton, Birmingham, B32 2QD. All are welcome to enjoy company, conversation, and a free hot meal cooked by fantastic volunteers.
Next week, the Mobile Household Recycling Centre will be returning to the constituency on Thursday 18 May between 7am – 12:45pm at Ravenshurst Road B17 9DP. If you are in the area and have bulky household waste to dispose of then please come along.
Best wishes,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Birmingham Edgbaston covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton
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