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Antoinette Sandbach MP Newsletter

1st February 2019 @ 6:06am – by Antoinette Sandbach
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The latest news from Antoinette Sandbach

Although Brexit continues to understandably dominate the news, there has been much else happening in Westminster and Eddisbury in the last couple of weeks:

Unscrupulous Housing Developers

After a number of constituents contacted me regarding the on-going problems they are experiencing getting their developer to resolve construction defects in their new homes, I raised the need for an ombudsman to tackle the issue of unscrupulous developers and sub-standard construction at last week's Business of the House. I also hope soon to lead a Westminster Hall debate to discuss the issues in greater detail with colleagues.

If you are experiencing problems or issues which you would like me to take up on your behalf with the relevant authority, please do not hestiate to e-mail me.

Guide Dogs' Access All Areas

I recently met Kate and her guide dog Phoenix at the Guide Dogs' Access All Areas event in Westminster.

Although it is against the law to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog except in the most exceptional circumstances, a Guide Dogs' survey found that three quarters of assistance dog owners had been refused by businesses, including shops, supermarkets, gyms, campsites, places of worship, public transport, taxis and minicabs, pubs and hotels.

The Access All Areas campaign seeks to raise awareness of the discrimination against guide dog owners. You can find more details about the campaign here.

Audlem Overwater Wheelybus Service

On Friday, I was delighted to attend the launch of the Overwater Wheelybus service in Audlem.

This great project, launched by Rodney Cottrell and his team of volunteers, can transport those with disabilities to the wheelyboat which allows them to enjoy trips on the canal near Audlem.

Audlem has an amazing community spirit which they use to help others. They are a true inspiration in the way they have imagination, get-up-and-go and kindness in thinking how they can make other people's lives better.

Motherwell Cheshire CIO awarded funding grant

I was delighted to learn that Motherwell Cheshire CIO, a charitable organisation run by women, for women which supports mums across Cheshire to enjoy positive health and wellbeing, has recently been awarded a grant of £23,825 from People's Health Trust.

The funding will enable the organisation to continue its 'Believe' project which offers weekly drop-in sessions for mums at risk of having their children removed in Winsford. The sessions are delivered by women who have previously had their own children removed from their care and supported by a mental health worker.

This important initiative ensures that those facing the risk of having their children taken into care get the help and support that they need as they go through the legal process from those who have experienced it themselves.

Boughey Distribution Visit

I met Keith Foster, Managing Director of Boughey Distribution at their warehousing and distribution centre in Wardle, learning of the company's concerns at the Government's no-deal planning and real fear of shortages in the event that the United Kingdom leaves the EU without a deal. I have since met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to discuss Boughey's concerns.

Church Minshull Community Hydro

On 18 January I visited the Church Minshull Community Hydro on the River Weaver.

The single Archimedes screw hydro power scheme has an energy generating capacity of 80 kW and generates approximately 305 MWh of clean electricity each year which is enough to power the equivalent of 77 homes.

The scheme was funded by way of 635,000 £1 bonds which were snapped up in just 51 hours.

I am also continuing to raise the replacement of the feed-in-tariff and the export tariff, both of which guarantee a fair price for small producers, with the Minister of State, Claire Perry, and the Secretary of State, Greg Clark.

John Dwyer- Conservative candidate for Cheshire PCC election

On 18 January, I joined members from all the Cheshire Associations in Weaverham for the selection of the Conservative candidate to stand in the 2020 election for Police and Crime Commissioner in Cheshire. The two candidates, John Dwyer and Andrew Dawson, both gave insightful and knowledgeable interviews before taking questions. John Dwyer was subsequently chosen as the candidate.

I wish John all the very best for his campaign and look forward to working with him to secure a Conservative victory in the upcoming election.

Here are just a few more examples of what I have been up to recently:

On 18 January, I took part on the Granada Debate with Sir Mark Hendrick and Richard Kilpatrick, discussing Brexit and education funding.

Last week, I met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, to discuss a constituent's on-going issues with the Rural Payment Agency.

On Friday, I was excited to discover a fantastic local food producer in Kelsall. Weetwood Ales not only sells craft beers but has recently diversified into gin and vodka. A perfect opportunity to both support a thriving local business and celebrate the end of Dry January!


This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.

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