I’d my first Supermarket Surgery post-election in Uckfield and then East Grinstead last week ensuring I cover the whole constituency, carrying on being as accessible in the role as possible; despite the recent MP security concerns. As part of my ongoing ‘Meet Mims’ events, we’re also organising more free, ticketed events in our villages-our first in Wivelsfield-and I’ll share more soon. A big thanks to Cllr Michael Lunn and Cllr Adam Peacock for joining me chatting on issues raised such as housing, winter fuel allowance, migration, and parking costs.
Backing our farmers, local food businesses and our environment is a constant focus for me. I joined Helen from Wealden Food Partnership learning about her work supported by Public Health funds. The aim is connecting people and facilitating equitable, green, and accessible food pathways whilst understanding the challenges faced by farmers-we’ve over 1000 farms in Wealden alone, plus more across Mid Sussex District. I’m determined local planning works for our crucial rural economy providing access to markets, education and also vitally tackling food poverty.
I've received enquiries again regarding Royal Mail and the time letters and deliveries are taking. Our local posties work very hard in all weathers. However, retirements, recruitment, and the challenging physical role makes it a tough one. As a result, I’ve been making enquiries to the Senior Management team and seeing the situation for myself-hearing from posties, as well as joining my Sussex colleagues in a previous Parliamentary meeting with the Royal Mail Team. It’s clear staffing is a key issue. We organised a local recruitment banner to be displayed at the Haywards Heath office promoting the need for more local staff and encouraging applications. Please email me with your latest experiences of what’s happening locally, to ensure I’ve got the latest picture to follow up on and can raise this at my next Westminster meeting shortly.
Finally, NatWest's community pop-up is happening from 30th August-up to 12 weeks at East Grinstead Library. Operational every Friday from 09:30 - 13:30 with their advisors providing face-to-face financial support to residents-more information is on my website.
