I’m writing to clarify for readers that Dan Norris is still MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, both he and his office continue to deal with constituent’s issues whilst the police investigation continues. We understand that he is excluded from attending the Houses of Parliament to ask questions, speak in debates or serve on committees in person. In addition, he may not participate in votes in the House.
However, it does not prevent him from submitting questions to Ministers or officials for written answer, proposing amendments to legislation or tabling or signing early day motions. It also doesn’t prevent him from corresponding with government ministers or officials on behalf of constituents.
Dan is still writing to ministers and commenting on policy, to this end, we, MP Watch continue to raise with him issues of local and national importance such as:
• Housing Targets – where B&NES mandatory target has doubled and South Gloucestershire’s has increased by 30% whilst Bristol’s has reduced by 10%
• Carbon Capture and Storage – where benefits are perceived for some energy intensive industries such as glass making, steel and cement production; however, the scientific evidence points to the investment in gas fired production of electricity (with carbon capture) increasing not reducing, the environmental impact
• The Climate and Nature Bill – we want Dan to support this Bill which was adjourned after the last reading and is due to be considered again in July
•Electricity Market – where the consumer price is still tied to the high cost of gas fired production of electricity not the much more efficient renewable sector, leading to record profits for producers
• Airport Expansion – promoted with false claims for ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel for which there is insufficient production capacity, and its use will still have a major impact on the environment
If there are topics of interest you think we should be raising, please let us know by emailing us at MPWatchNESH@gmail.com. If you wish to contact Dan Norris’s office email dan.norris.mp@parliament.uk
David Leverton, MP Watch
The wrong type of houses
I am 78 years old and have lived in Oldland Common for 57 years. During the last 30 years, Oldland, Longwell Green and Willsbridge have all been joined as one area, with no additional infrastructure. We don’t even have a bus to Longwell Green and Aspects Leisure Centre.
The new Local Plan shows a massive overload for this area, and any local resident will remind you of frequent flooding in Barry Roads. So the impact of 304 houses using tons of concrete and drives for cars will be devastating for the existing homes, including two care homes.
I also need to point out that most plans are building the wrong type of house and the term ‘affordable’ is laughable for most young people and families. We need small, two-bedroom starter homes, not detached homes making excessive money for developers because they are two feet apart! Ideally a percentage of social housing should remain the property of the council, as a ‘stepping stone’ to owning their own home. Larger families could be housed in two adjoining two-bedroom homes.
My own situation is that I am a widow and full-time carer for my Downs daughter, age 29. She needs a family group home which I can reach by bus or walking. But I am more useful to the council as an unpaid carer. We hear that the grand total of six places have been built at the Trading Post site, to be used by three different authorities. Our children deserve to have a home so that we parents can live to see them settled and happy, and attending their work placements and activities with their friends.
Lastly I was horrified to read last July that South Glos has been asked to provide land to assist Bristol City Council’s unmet housing need. Yet, on the way back from the BRI last week, I passed sites at the demolished police station beyond Old Market, a large site next to Trinity Church, a huge site at the previous funeral directors near Lawrence Hill and the Kleeneze site at Hanham, with a ready-made High Street which needs footfall and occupied shops.
Maureen Milsom, Oldland Common
It’s so hard to cross this road
May I comment on the planters on the pavements on High Street? When they were first installed I did think what a waste of money but now they are starting to bloom I have changed my mind; they look very pretty.
Now please can the council spend some money on improving pavements from the junction of Tabernacle Road down towards Magpie Court retirement home. The camber of pavements when unsteady on feet or pushing walkers makes it hard to keep balance, especially on trying to cross over the road, what with scaffolding that has been up for years and the lumps in road. It makes it very hard for us oldies. I suggest a council member comes and borrows a walking frame and tries to cross that junction.
Janet Peacock, Magpie Court
More people need our help
CITIZENS Advice South Gloucestershire’s annual Impact Report shows our charity is helping more people than ever before.
We helped 7,280 people in 2023/24 – a 23% increase on the year before.
People who were previously able to draw on savings to weather the storm are now having to come to us for foodbank help.
But the rise in numbers helped is also due to the fact our charity is expanding.
We would like to thank our team for all their work this year as well as all of the organisations and individuals credited in the report for their generous support which allows us to continue our vital services for the community.
The report can be read on our website at tinyurl.com/mrxtz6jk.
Chantal Watts, CEO Citizens Advice S Glos