James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, was joined by Vicky Ford MEP and Nick Alston, Conservative Police Crime Commissioner Candidate for an action packed day in the constituency recently. James invited Vicky and Nick to spend a day out and about in Rochford and Southend visiting various communities, organisations and community events.
The day included a visit to Southend High Street, City Beach, The Storehouse, Southend Airport, Wakering and Rochford. James also hosted a community out and about surgery in Rochford. Both Vicky and Nick were on hand to speak to residents about any concerns they had in relation to crime and Europe.
Following the community surgery the trio headed over to Southend Airport to have a tour of the airport. They met with Alastair Welch, Managing Director and discussed the history of the airport and the recent investment and expansion.
The final visit for the day was to Temple Sutton Primary School where they met with Mr Barratt, Headteacher to discuss the police station that is located on the school grounds. Mr Barratt spoke about the positive impact having a police presence at the school has had for both pupils and the families.
James said
“I was delighted to be able to have Vicky Ford and Nick Alston with me for the day. I wanted to show them the extent of the diversity that there is in Rochford and Southend East. Visiting the Storehouse in Southend, a project that supports some of the most vulnerable in our society to a rural village in Rochford provided them with the opportunity to appreciate just that.
I hold out and about surgeries on a regular basis and to be able to offer constituents the opportunity to speak with an MEP and the conservative Police Crime Commissioner Candidate was beneficial for all. It gave an insight as to the challenges and issues constituents face and it enabled Vicky and Nick to engage in a dialog with constituents that they may not have spoken to otherwise.”
Vicky said
“I thoroughly enjoyed my day out and about with James and Nick. Every visit was so insightful. The work that the volunteers and staff carry out at the Store house is invaluable to those most in need. The airport expansion is well underway and I was delighted to hear that as a result of the expansion plans, 500 jobs have been created, the majority of which have been filled by local residents. Whilst in Rochford I took the opportunity to talk to some of the business owners and ascertain what issues and challenges they face and any obstacles they have had to overcome. I always enjoy my time in Rochford and Southend and I am looking forward to my next visit.”
Nick said
“Days like these are essential and so informative. I am able to obtain a far better understanding of the issues local people face and concerns they have in relation to crime and crime prevention. “