Staffordshire Update

I'd like to take the chance to update you on what I've been doing over the last few weeks, from campaigning for more legal restrictions on road racing, to opening facilities at Essington Rugby Club.

As always, my office and I are always hard at work helping constituents, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues you would like to raise - I can be reached by email at gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk, or you can phone my office on 01902 846 616.

Gavin Combats Anti-Social Behaviour in Local Parks

Sir Gavin has engaged in discussions with South Staffordshire District Council, Forestry England and the local police relating to the recent spate of anti-social behaviour in and around Cavans wood and Shoal Hill Common. Gavin was particularly concerned with the influx of off-road bikes into the restricted area, as well as the disposal of waste and non-recyclables into the park. Locals have been rightfully frustrated about the lack of care and respect given to their communal parks and the wildlife which lives within them.

All were unanimous in the decision to escalate the use of Section 54 ASB notices to clamp down on the issue. This will enable the local authorities to use appropriate powers to seize equipment which is operating in restricted areas.

Sir Gavin said: "I’m really relieved by the results of today’s discussions and hope to see the implementation of the Section 54 notices to positive effect. The unacceptable treatment of our communal areas and green spaces is something that I’m keen to get under control. By collaborating with the local authorities and local council, I’m pleased to say this issue should be resolved as soon as possible, and the people of South Staffordshire will be able to enjoy the value of Shoal Hill Common and Cavans Wood as untouched natural spaces."

Gavin Supports Expansion to Air Ambulance Facilities

Sir Gavin visited the new state-of-the-art facilities at the Midlands Air Ambulance base that had been renovated using a 1.2-million-pound grant from the treasury. The funds have been put towards two extra helipads for emergency aircraft and extra space for rapid response vehicles and critical care cars. The organisation aims to increase its capacity to serve the million people living in the Midlands area and hasten the dispatch times to each emergency call. The site hopes also to become a space for future clinical research possibilities.

Sir Gavin said: “It was really fantastic to be shown around the new facilities by Midlands Air Ambulance. The expansion of the facilities will enable the team to service more critical care patients and reach those in need of emergency treatment that crucial bit faster. I’m looking forward to seeing further developments in terms of clinical research at the facility and wish to be of use in sourcing funding for the project in any way possible.”

Gavin Celebrates Re-opening of Essington Rugby Club

Sir Gavin Williamson recently visited Essington Rugby Club to attend the opening ceremony for their new facilities and meet with the team to congratulate them on raising funds to improve the club house and grounds. Essington Rugby Club meets weekly for training sessions, as well as several social events throughout the month, providing a great sense of community for all those involved.

Sir Gavin said: “It has been a real pleasure to meet with those at Essington Rugby, who have been dedicated to improving the facilities at the club, and have done a fabulous job. I’m always keen to support community sport endeavours, as it is so important to stay physically active at the same time as it is wonderful to have such a sociable team. The match due to occur between Essington Rugby and St Leonard’s was cancelled due to the tragic loss of a St Leonard’s player that morning. I’d like to offer his family and friends my deepest condolences at such a difficult time.”

Essington Rugby said: “We at Essington Rugby Club were so pleased to be able to host Sir Gavin Williamson to our rugby club to open our refurbished toilets facilities. Essington Rugby Club President, David Brawn, said that more than 8,000 people visit the Rugby Club every year for Weddings, Birthdays and other celebrations as well as all the sporting activities that take place at the club.”

Gavin Takes Action Against Speed Racing

Sir Gavin has been working with Staffordshire police to campaign for further legal restrictions on road racing. Local residents have been troubled by the street racing gatherings on the A449 near Coven for some years, and a recent spate of crashes and speeding incidents in the area have expedited demands for something to be done. Sir Gavin has called for regular patrols and car cruising injunctions to tackle the issue. A funding settlement for the police for the year 2023/2024 will total £17.2 billion, so it is hoped that the extra funding can be directed towards the issue.

Sir Gavin said: “I’ve been meeting with Staffordshire Police to prioritise the issue of street racing and to call for further legal measures that will deter those from joining street racing gatherings. Not only are they a source of anxiety for the nearby public, but they demonstrate dangerous and irresponsible driving that could cause real damage. I’ve listened to the concerns my constituents have voiced on stunt driving and will push for something to be done.”