Thank You

I would like to extend the warmest thanks to all those who voted for me in last week’s General Election. Obviously, I am very relieved at the result both in Reigate and across the country which gives the country a government with the Parliamentary authority for a full term.

Further to my recent post regarding proposed improvements works at J8 of the M25, official confirmation has been received from Highways England that these works, scheduled to commence next month, have now been postponed.

Crispin has applauded today’s announcement by the Department for Health and Social Care of a two-year programme to fund over 220 new diagnostic scanners in 78 NHS Hospital Trusts across England to improve patient experience and lead to earlier diagnosis.

Commenting on the recent public launch of the Reigate and Banstead Community Fund which has been established to offer a grant-making vehicle to support local charities and good causes operating within the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, Crispin Bunt MP said:

Anyone who lives locally will be aware of the congestion that the level-crossing in Reigate causes to traffic in and around Reigate. At peak times, the barrier can be down for up to 15 minutes per hour.

I have received a large number of communications from local residents about the proposed improvement works at Junction 8 of the M25 at Reigate Hill, sponsored by Highways England, and scheduled to start in January 2020. This improvement scheme has raised a number of concerns from residents, and local businesses, largely due to the disruption such extended roadworks are likely to cause to local traffic.

The DSHC has confirmed its decision to invest £500 million in a scheme to build a new major hospital in Sutton, bringing together the Epsom & St Helier Hospitals Trust’s adult emergency department and women & children’s services in one place, including an emergency department, critical care, complex day-case facilities, maternity and paediatrics services, whilst continuing to provide urgent treatment centres with inpatient beds at its St Helier and Epsom sites

The Three Horseshoes Public House at Ironsbottom, Sidlow, has recently been listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. This follows a campaign supported by Crispin Blunt MP, the Horseshoes Action Group, and Salfords and Sidlow Parish Council, objecting to the closure of the pub and proposals to develop the site.

Yesterday, I held a meeting with the recently appointed Chairman of the Oil and Gas Authority, Tim Eggar, specifically to discuss OGA’s regulatory remit regarding the Horse Hill Oil exploration site, in the light if the impending decision by Surrey County Council whether or not to grant planning permission to enable UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) to produce oil from the well over the next twenty-five years.

I had a productive meeting with a Reigate Heath resident and UK Power Networks this morning to address the wholly inappropriate amount of power cuts for several of my constituents.