Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: Another week of my summer tour
It has been another busy week of my Mid Sussex summer tour, with a variety of meetings and visits highlighting both the strength of our local communities and the dedication of the people who serve them.
In Warninglid, I met with parish councillors from Ansty and Staplefield, Bolney and Twineham as part of my ongoing programme of meetings with town and parish councils across the constituency. We discussed a range of local issues affecting their villages, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing residents. Parish councils play a vital role in representing local people and ensuring community voices are heard, and these conversations are an important way for me to stay connected to what matters most across Mid Sussex.
I also held a joint surgery with Sussex Police in Burgess Hill, giving residents the opportunity to speak directly with officers about crime, antisocial behaviour and wider policing concerns. I am grateful to everyone who attended and took the time to share their experiences, and I am pleased that another joint surgery will take place in Haywards Heath this autumn.
I then visited Bridee Whyte’s Independent Funeral Services in Haywards Heath to meet Donna and Brian. It was a thoughtful and enlightening visit that gave me a greater understanding of the care, compassion and dignity involved in supporting families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Sport also featured in my week with a visit to Burgess Hill Town Football Club. It was encouraging to hear about the investment being made in the club and its ambitions for the future. The team is determined to make the club a true community hub, welcoming people of all ages and interests.
Later in the week, I spent time with residents and staff at Goldbridge Care Home in Haywards Heath and Keymer Hall in Burgess Hill. At Goldbridge, I enjoyed meeting residents, watching chair aerobics and joining a sing-along. At Keymer Hall, I held a Q&A session with residents and family members covering topics from social care to national politics.
A clear message emerged from both visits: residents deeply value the dedication and compassion shown by care staff every day. I wholeheartedly agree and will continue to champion the vital contribution carers make to our communities.
It has been another great week spending time in our towns and villages, meeting residents and visiting interesting businesses and organisations. I am looking forward to meeting more of you as the summer goes on. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email at alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk if you need my support with any issue.