31 JAN 2012
On 24 January, Claire Perry, MP for the Devizes Constituency, attended the Parliamentary launch of Action for Children's report into child neglect. Claire added her name to the charity's petition, signed by over 16,000 members of the public, calling on the Government to intervene early to prevent and tackle child neglect.
Following the launch, Claire said:
"Action for Children's report presents a worrying outlook of the tragic circumstances facing neglected children today and I know the Government is working hard to give social workers more time and space for better quality assessments. I welcome the Government's approach to help children's services, the Police and the NHS work together and focus on early identification of problems before they escalate so we can move towards a more coordinated and local approach to combat this issue".
25 JAN 2012
Claire Perry MP has asked the Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) for detailed information on ambulance response times for the different parts of the Devizes Constituency.
Commenting, Claire said:
"Many of my constituents, especially those living in the south-east part of the Constituency in Tidworth and Ludgershall, are concerned that ambulance response times to these areas are slower than the norm. We saw the impact of one such incident in December which was followed by the tragic death of Mrs. Doreen Wignall. I have asked the GWAS for response times by individual postcodes so that we can fully understand the situation and get on top of any systematic problems. This will also be the first time we have been able to see this data".
21 JAN 2012
On 21 January 2012, Claire Perry, MP for the Devizes Constituency, welcomed the official opening of a new footpath in Rushall which means that pupils of the local Primary School can walk to school more safely. The footpath was opened by Wiltshire Councillors on behalf of the Community Transport Group and the Pewsey Area Board.
Commenting, Claire said:
"Like many parents, I think walking to school is a good habit for children and families. But it can be difficult to walk safely along busy country roads. That is why I am delighted that this new footpath is now opened and can be used by school children and residents of Rushall alike. Congratulations to Councillors Jerry Kunkler and Robert Hall, the Rushall Parish Council and local residents for all the hard work that has gone into creating this very simple but essential solution."
18 JAN 2012
On 14th January 2012, Claire Perry, MP for the Devizes Constituency, took the current and former Chairmen of the Parliamentary All Party Angling group to see the unprecedentedly low water levels on the River Kennet. The group met representatives from Action for the River Kennet (ARK) and local residents at Manton near Marlborough to inspect the dry river bed and discuss solutions.
Commenting, Claire Perry said:
"Rainfall has been low for the last 18 months but it is the abstraction of water from the Kennet by Thames Water that is the real concern. I welcome the Government's commitment to reforming abstraction tariffs in their recent White Paper and we know that Thames Water are working hard to educate people on the need for water conservation with their "Care for the Kennet" campaign. Ultimately, though, we need to get the relief pipeline built for Swindon as this is the only thing that will protect the Kennet long term. By working with my Parliamentary colleagues including those here today we can keep the pressure up on Thames Water, Ofwat and on Ministers to get this urgent project underway".
Charles Walker MP, current chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group said:
"As much as I enjoyed visiting Claire's constituency, I was horrified at the tragic state of the River Kennet. As a passionate fisherman and in my capacity as the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Angling, I will fully support Claire and the ARK's Campaign to restore flows to this beautiful river. The Angling group will be lobbying the Government."
(Photograph courtesy of Marlborough News Online)
