Some of things I’ve been up to over the last two weeks, in the constituency and Westminster!
As always, please email me at [email protected] if I can help with anything.
This time last week local Lib Dem campaigners and I were running a stall at Frome's Saturday market, asking people why Frome Hospital was important to them and hang their thoughts on our tree! We had loads of responses and it was clear (if we needed reminding) how important the hospital is to many of us.
I'm keeping the pressure on the Somerset NHS Trust to justify the reduction in beds at the hospital, which is now in its second "test and trial" phase. Will keep you updated.
Last week we were privileged to get a visit from the Chief Executive of @aceagrams Arts Council England and members of their local team. We took them to see four local arts organisations across Frome & East Somerset, two of which I've featured here - @frome_openstorytellers and @studiolostrobot
I am passionate about the arts and culture and making sure they're accessible for everyone, particularly our young people.
Yesterday I was asked on BBC Points West what Labour colleagues were saying about the current situation in Government. As Wes Streeting resigns and chaos ensues, it seems a good time to post it. 🤦
A little rundown from me as @libdems spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport on those elements of the King's Speech.
Two good-ish potential Bills but could be better!
Patriotism is more than waving a flag.
We’re proud of Britain’s heritage, culture and communities.
So we’re launching ‘What Makes Britain Great’, with our MPs sharing videos each week on what makes them proud to be British.
Check out @anna4fes ⬇️
🚨 Frome Leisure Centre update from me 🚨
I should add that I think Frome College have been amazing in extremely difficult circumstances which are beyond their control and I hope people will recognise that there are a lot of staff working this weekend to make sure students are minimally affected 🙏
On a night of brilliant results for the @libdems nationwide I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome new Somerset councillor Sam Phripp! Sam's division of Mendip Hills sits partly in my constituency and covers places like Chilcompton, Stratton on the Fosse and Holcombe.
Mendip Hills Somerset Council by election result:
46.75% turnout
🔶 Lib Dems - 1,534 (41.5%)
➡️ Reform - 936 (25%)
🌳Tories - 724 (19%)
💚Greens - 330 (9%)
📣Independents - 107 (3%)
🌹Labour - 64 (2%)
Majority 598
Congratulations Councillor Sam Phripp! 🧡🧡🧡
🏘️ So the Saxonvale site in Frome is back on the market - again.
We have a lot of discussions in Frome about where to deliver new housing, and Saxonvale always seems to be the one site everyone agrees could take new homes - it's brownfield and located in the town centre.
I hope we get an excellent set of applications to build this site out, and I hope that when the successful bid is announced we will be throwing our weight behind it as a town.
I'm pleased to say that safety improvements are coming to the A361 Frome Bypass. With 5 fatalities in just 5 years, action on this road is long overdue and something I have been pushing hard for.
From 11th May, Somerset Council will begin works including road resurfacing, new speed limits (50mph on the A361, 40mph on the A362 approach), and central hatching along the bypass. Nightly closures will run 7pm–6am.
AI cameras installed last year have already recorded 4,500 offences in four months, including 74 vehicles exceeding 80mph. These figures underline exactly why this work matters.
While this is not the large-scale solution this junction ultimately needs, it is a meaningful step forward and I will continue to press for more.
I will continue to work with Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police to ensure our roads are as safe as possible.
Great to meet Rusette and the team at @bath_theatrical in Frome this morning.
They have about a gazillion (my count) costumes from different eras which get used for films, parties, Jane Austen events, hen does, corporate days and so much more!
We discussed the many, many challenges involved in running a small business at the moment like business rates and VAT, and I've taken away a couple of action points to try to help.
Thanks for having us! 👗🧤🎩
