James Wharton MP

Last night was the second meeting of BO2SS (Barwicks Own 2nd Secondary School).  It was attended by a mix of people from the area and it is clear that everyone wants to see something done.  The current situation, with over 900 children having to leave the estate every morning to go to school, is totally unacceptable and I have been campaigning along with others to see a new school.  This is the next stage in that broader campaign, it certainly deserves to be successful.

Tomorrow I will be in Elm Tree in Stockton conducting a Street surgery between around 3.30-4.30pm.  It will be interesting to see what is said.

Last night I met with local Conservative Party members representing areas right across the Stockton South constituency.  It was an opportunity to discuss local issues and how things are in their area.  The overwhelming message was one of enthusiasm, with local branches picking up new members and activists on an almost daily basis.  I am fortunate to have such a great team supporting me and helping to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to all the people of Stockton South.

Last night I met with a number of residents and Councillors (both Town and Borough) from Ingleby Barwick.  There are some great plans for pushing the schooling issue in Ingleby to the top of the local agenda and beyond.  It has long been clear that we need more school places on Ingleby Barwick and I have been campaigning, along with others, to try to secure an increase.  We are going to invite the Labour MP to get involved, even though she has not seemed very interested so far, in the hope that something can be done to counter the unhelpful influence of other Labour Party figures locally. 

This afternoon I visited St Peter’s Church on the Green in Thornaby.  This beautiful building has recently received some unwanted publicity following incidents of vandalism.  Today though was a far happier occasion- the local Parish Church fayre.  Because of the awful weather everything was moved inside and attendance naturally suffered somewhat, but it was still a great day and well supported by local people.    I enjoyed talking with stall holders and visitors although sadly I was not successful in either the raffle or tombola!