Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has been spending his first summer recess as the MP in the constituency.
Over just two weeks, Richard has done around 60 visits and meetings. Richard has:
- Cycled the Derwent Walk with John Grimshaw CBE to discuss how to improve cycling and walking access both to and along the route. This is part of Richard’s campaign for a feasibility study for a new public transport link between Consett and Gateshead/Newcastle, which you can read about here.
- Popped down to the Victoria Inn in Witton le Wear to catch up with George and Carolynne on the business following their appearance on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed. You can see their website here.
- Visited the Bradley Burn Farm Café and Shop and Bradley Burn Caravan Park in Wolsingham to discuss local tourism and how it has changed during coronavirus. Richard also discussed support for the tourist industry and what the next steps will be. See their website here.
- Met and spoken with local Councillors and constituents to discuss the closure of Consett Swimming Pool, which you can read about here.
- Visited Bollihope Common to talk with farmers and representatives from FarmWatcherUK about sheep worrying. You can read about this here.
- Hosted a call with local play centres who are concerned that children’s indoor play areas have not been considered properly during the lockdown.
- Met with constituents and local Councillors to discuss planning issues in #Crook, #MedomsleyEdge. You can read about this here.
- Held an interesting meeting with representatives of local food producers to discuss local food production and the local environment, and see what steps can be taken to ensure North West Durham and the wider County Durham area is recognised as a premium food production area.
- Been down the The Union in Consett to chat with business owners in to discuss the reopening of bars and nightclubs.
- Seen horses at the gallop at Grange Farm Stables in Muggleswick to discuss the horseracing industry and support that has been put in place for yards and stables.
- Caught up with the team at Lanchester Dairies. Richard first visited them during the election campaign when he visited them with the Trade Secretary. You can read about them here.
- Met new Chief Exec from the PCVC's team along with the local Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss how crime has changed, current issues that the police are facing and how they are working to keep communities safe during Covid and beyond. Particularly flagging up issues during lockdown and local anti-social behaviour and speeding issues.
- Visited the Community Garden in Langley Park, where he had the chance to meet Councillor Coult and see the fantastic work that's been put into the local garden.
- Met pigeon fanciers in Esh Winning to learn about pigeon racing, and to discuss what an important and traditional local sport it is. Pigeons from North West Durham have even recently been in France for a two-day race.
- Visited the Creative Collection at Langley Park. The Riverside Industrial Estate has lots of small firms and start ups and Richard had the chance to meet local business owners.
- Met with Security Prints in Consett, who do work both locally and globally. They discussed the recent challenges they have faced and how Richard can continue to support their business going forward. Richard has spoken with Ministers about supporting their international work in the future. You can read about them here.
- Caught up with the award-winning Lingotot in Consett, a language school for children. You can read about Richard’s previous visit here.
- Visited Diggerland in Langley Park, who have now reopened for the summer. You can read about them here.
- Met with the manager of a care home to discuss the challenges care homes continue to face and how communities can be protected.
- Held another Lockdown Litter Pick in Crook, as well as one in Ebchester and the Derwent Walk.
- Discussed concerns with residents regarding the the former Manor House Care Home in Medomsley and the disrepair it has fallen into.
- Talked with Iverston residents regarding the roof of the old well which has collapsed meaning that the structure, right in the middle of the village, is now totally unsafe. Richard's working with councillors on this issue.
- Met Olive Wilson in Witton le Wear. Olive is the Parish Council chair and they discussed what is going on in the village.
- had three meetings in Shotley Bridge with local people regarding improving the area. Constituents want to see the road junction and the steps made safer and people are concerned abut speeding, especially on the B6310.
- Visited Glenroyd House to see more of the work they have been doing. Richard has kept in regular contact with them throughout lockdown, which you can read about here.
- Visited the Crookhall Community Centre to see the food bank and meet those that work there.
- Started a campaign to get fee-free access to cash for North West Durham. You can read about this here.
- Visited Hamsterley Colliery to discuss littering and speeding on the main road.
- Met the team at the Weardale Adventure Centre, who have been severely impacted by coronavirus. Richard discussed the help available to them and what their plans are for the future. You can read about them here.
- Held constituency surgeries, both over the phone and in person with dozens of North West Durham residents. If you need a surgery appointment just message me at http://www.richardholden.org.uk/contact
- Visited Far Place, an animal rescue charity in Weardale to see the animals they look after and hear about the work that they have been doing recently. You can read about them https://www.farplace.org.uk/
- Attended a meeting in West Blackdene to speak with residents concerned about development proposals and how they will have a detrimental effect on the AONB.
- Taken the team out to #TheJollyDrovers in Leadgate to highlight the Chancellor’s new Eat Out to Help Out scheme by taking his team out for a meal in Consett. You can read about this here.
- Visited the Suddes Family Farm in Cornsay to see how they’re supporting locally grown produce and our environment.
- Met constituents in Cornsay Colliery (with tea & cake) to discuss speeding through the village & how this can be prevented.
- Attended the Witton-le-Wear Parish Council meeting virtually to hear about what’s going on there.
- Visited Moorside and the Grove Club to see what assistance can be provided to help them out.
- Held a conference call with local beauty salon owners concerned about the continuing impact that coronavirus is having on their industry. You can read about this here.
- Held a zoom call with local cultural organisations who are going to be bidding for funding
- Hosted a Minister from the Department for Work and Pensions, which you can read about here.
If you would like to meet with Richard to discuss an issue, you can email him at richard.holden.mp@parliament.uk or fill out the form https://www.richardholden.org.uk/contact.
To hear more about the work that Richard is doing for North West Durham, you can sign up here or input your details in the form on this page.