With Parliament back in session this week, I hit the ground running with perhaps the most high-profile debate on a vital Sutton Coldfield issue in a decade.

Andrew Mitchell led an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on the threat to Sutton Coldfield Police Station.

I was a regular visitor to the Sanctuary, and it really is a great shame that it has shut. However, I think it is vital that we try to ensure that this wonderfully located facility does not sit empty for too long and I have been working with the national Donkey Sanctuary charity, who hold the lease, to see what can be done.

This week bankrupt Birmingham City Council finally confirmed what many people in the Royal Town had feared – the potential closure of three of our four libraries.

Volunteers who renovated a much-loved boardwalk to allow people of all abilities to enjoy a Sutton Coldfield beauty spot enjoyed a unique double celebration – when two Mayors showed up to open it.

I wanted to begin this week by assuring Sutton Coldfield residents that I have been in close touch with the Craig Gilford, Chief Constable of the West Midlands, and elements of local policing throughout this week to ensure that there will be none of the disgraceful events we have seen elsewhere, here in the Royal Town.

Andrew Mitchell recently met and talked with representatives of Eco Sutton about making progress on environmental issues. 

I have written to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) urging him to accept the request from Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to attend its next meeting, and answer questions from councillors and the public on the future of our Police Station.

Andrew Mitchell serves the first box of popcorn to James Jervis to officially open The Royal.