Member of Parliament for South Shields
Shields Gazette
South Shields - It's A Great Town
One of the best things about being MP for South Shields in having the opportunity to see the good work that is taking place in schools, businesses and other organisations across the borough. I really enjoy this part of my job, as it lets me see first hand what is happening in the town (and allows me to promote our town to fellow MP’s)
Last Friday I started my day with a visit to a firm just outside of South Shields. Arnold Laver Timber yard in Hebburn has recently undergone a multi million pound investment and has secured over 100 jobs in South Tyneside. Stephen Hepburn, MP for Jarrow told me what a success story this was for the borough – so I took the opportunity to meet the team when they kindly invited me to see how Arnold Laver was helping protect the environment. It is always pleasing to see businesses expand as this allows them to create more job opportunities for local people.
Next stop was to Ashley Primary School, Gazette readers will have read recently how the school has been becoming more environmentally friendly – so much so, that the pupils and staff recycled literally thousands of Christmas cards. The pupils had been learning about some of the work that I have been doing as Environment Secretary – so I thought it was only right that I see first hand some of the skills that they had mastered. As ever, the kids were superbly behaved and it was a pleasure to revisit Ashley.
Community facilities are at the heart of every neighbourhood, whether it be the church, the community centre or the pub. After Ashley my next stop was Eagleton’s shop in Carden Avenue where I met Lynn and the team to officially open the new Post Office that has been relocated to the store. The new Post Office has better access for disabled people and longer opening hours, and I know Lynn is committed to providing a “first class” service to the residents of the area.
Throughout South Shields there are new developments being built, and within them. The council has been forward thinking in securing new facilities for our children – whether it be the new Westoe Crown School or the new school at Horsley Hill, which is known as Sea View. What a fantastic local resource the residents of Horsley Hill now have. I met with the Head of Sea View, Mrs Cunningham and took a tour of the school to see the new facilities available to the pupils and staff. Mrs Cunningham and the team have a clear vision of how they want to see the school move forward – I look forward to revisiting Sea View soon.
The rest of the day was taken up with meetings and a Labour Party social event in the evening. Though later in the evening, Louise and I were delighted to be able to join a very special South Tynesider to help him celebrate a very special birthday. Our own Ray Spencer was celebrating his 50th birthday (Ray you don’t look it), he was joined at his surprise party by friends and family – it was a great evening. Ray has been instrumental in the success behind the Customs House and the Catherine Cookson Festival – he is a real friend of South Tyneside.
If you would like me to visit your school, workplace or organisation please contact my office on 0191 456 8910.