My Week 12/05/2016

Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of opening the revamped post office and stores at West Chiltington.  I could see how popular the local shop was, and it’s a good example of how a successful post office counter can be run in a local retail business.

If only this formula could be replicated in Pulborough, where the post office has moved from one store to another without success.  I’ve been pushing hard for a solution, but the village has been without a service for months while the Post Office have searched for a host.

At last they’ve found one, and hope to resume services next month, although I’m aware that the proposed location in London Road has raised concerns.  The Post Office’s consultation runs until 18 May and to learn more, or participate in it, click here.

On Sunday I found myself doing the unusual job of standing in a stream to start a rubber duck race.  The popular event was to raise money for The Friends of Storrington First School.

I then went on to St Botolph’s Church, Hardham, to attend the launch of the stewardship of the church’s important medieval wall paintings.  I am very pleased to have become a patron of this cause, which aims to preserve these unique frescos, and I would certainly recommend a visit to the church to see them.

On Monday I spoke in the Commons about the need to strengthen neighbourhood plans to ensure that developers do not undermine them, and I was pleased that the Government responded positively.  This is an important issue in our local villages.

On Thursday this week I will be joining over 100 volunteers at the 40th  Anniversary Celebrations for the Community Minibus Association in West Sussex, to be held at Coldwaltham.  I’m honoured to be Vice President of this tremendous local charity.

I’ll then be attending a meeting with Highways England to be updated on progress on the Arundel bypass, and on Friday MPs will discuss this and other local issues, including broadband, at our meeting with West Sussex County Council.

Finally, the local rail service has been dire again this week.  I’ve raised this issue yet again, and the Minister’s response is on my website, www.nickherbert.com.