James Wharton MP

Today I was in London to show a group of constituents around the House of Commons.

Having had  a few days break (although with a fair bit of constituency work creeping in!) things are busy once again.  The sad announcement that Armstrong Flooring are planning on closing their Teesside Industrial Estate factory was made yesterday and I have had discussions with the European CEO of the Company and Stockton Borough Council about the decision.  I was also interviewed about it on BBC Tees this morning.

I am currently en route to London, having just managed to catch the 7.28am train after my radio interview (without breaking the speed limit!) as I have a series of meetings down there later today and tomorrow.

I have also received a reply to a letter I wrote to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government about the Teesside identity issue and proposals for a local Local Enterprise Partnership – we need our own LEP but at the same time we must ensure the structure is the right one.

Yesterday I held a number of surgeries, including a house visit for one constituent to discuss disability benefits.

Good luck to everyone in Stockton South who are collecting A level results today!  We have some excellent schools and colleges and I am sure there will be some great success stories.

Alliston Trainer, a much loved and respected local councillor in Thornaby, sadly passed away today.  Allison had been unwell for some time but remained committed to her family and the residents she represented.  My thoughts are with her friends and family.

I met the Chief Executive of Stockton Borough Council to disucss a range of issues, including plans for a Local Enterprise Partnership, local issues including road and path refurbishment plans, care home provision in the Borough and schooling.

This was followed by a meeting with Planning Aid, an independent charity helping people with the planning process and then a surgery in one of the local Mosques in Stockton.