I am spending a few days this week on a short break in the North of Scotland, however my work for the Royal Town continues.

Many of my constituents have emailed me about their anxieties over the rise in the cost of living and the rise of energy prices. The overall economic situation is deeply worrying, and we will require significant action to help as soon as the new Prime Minister is in Downing Street. I am confident that the Treasury and our current senior government ministers will have worked up a strong set of options for the New Prime Minister to implement.

Constituency

Results Day Success

I would like to congratulate all A-Level and BTEC students across the Royal Town, who received their results yesterday after two years of hard work. This cohort did not sit formal GCSE exams due to Coronavirus, so these were their first formal exams, and it is clear across the Royal Town they have performed brilliantly. We should all be very proud of them, and I certainly am as their member of parliament.

It is important to underline that any students who missed out on the grades they wanted still have many great opportunities to explore and plenty of openings for brilliant courses at universities, available through clearing.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Equipment Giveaway

Following the conclusion of the spectacular Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which shone a spotlight on our talented region, there will now be a sporting equipment giveaway.

The items, which include bikes, martial arts mats, weights, T20 cricket equipment, basketballs, boxing gloves and weights, as well as general equipment, such as cones and bibs, are being made available to local sport and community groups across the West Midlands.

Not-for-profit community-based organisations, such as local voluntary groups, schools, sports clubs, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and social enterprises that deliver community-based projects, that seek to tackle inactivity and promote the physical and mental benefits of leading an active life, are encouraged to apply and have until 19 September to get their application in.

Full details on how to apply can be found on Sport England’s website at www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/birmingham-2022-commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-equipment-giveaway. A full catalogue of the equipment for the community giveaway will be made available on Sport England website for groups and clubs to look at and apply for.

Triathlon Legacy

Following on from the success of the triathlon held in our park at the Commonwealth Games, a number of people have expressed an interest in developing a triathlon route in Sutton Park for members of the public to enjoy. This would include swimming in Powell’s Pool which is currently not allowed by Birmingham City Council, although they may be receptive to a properly thought through proposal.

A meeting is being held for anyone interested in moving this proposal forward on Thursday September 1st at 7pm in The Deli back garden. If you are interested in attending, please email pippa@boldmere.org

Friends of Sutton Park

Well done to Friends of Sutton Park who have been busy with their latest conservation task down by the Paddling Stream. I am glad to hear it was very successful with lots of progress being made and an additional volunteer joining.

Friends of Sutton Park extended the gravel footpath as well as filling in the gaps on the sides of the stream bank and the path. Some work was done to re-level an area next to the bridge which was previously covered in vegetation. All this was done despite the very high temperatures!

None of this would be possible without the help of volunteers, so if you are interested please visit the Facebook page (Friends of Sutton Park Association) or visit their website http://fospa.org.uk/

Friends of Sutton Park have two more sessions based here until they move to their Winter Clearance programme.

Heroes of the week- Sunday Run Club

This morning, 350 people from various locations joined the Sunday Run Club to help raise money for Calm, a mental health charity, by running 5km at 5am.

An incredible £4485 was raised for Calm in only one week, with raffle gifts donated by local businesses and suppliers.

A very big well done to Natasha Mahon, Grant Dempsey, the FreeTrain group, and all the 350 runners of SRC.

SRC would like to welcome any new runners and to thank the current runners for their brilliant efforts.

SRC run on:

Monday to Saturday- 5km @ 5am, from Banners Gate in Sutton Park.

Sundays- 8.2km @ 9am

Please follow @GD.PT on Instagram for more details.

Parliament

Ready4Rishi

On Tuesday 23rd August, I will be launching Rishi Sunak at the leadership Hustings in Birmingham.

Members of the Conservative Party can buy a ticket online; sale ends on 21 Aug 2022. https://www.conservatives.com/hustings/birmingham

Royal Mail strike action

I have received a briefing from Royal Mail that the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) is planning four days of strike action on 26 August, 31 August, 8 September, and 9 September.

Post boxes throughout the Town can continue to be used on these days, although collections from post boxes will be limited on days of industrial action and delay to items should be expected. 

Royal mail has said they will prioritise the delivery of COVID test kits and medical prescriptions

It has been advised that customers:

• Post items as early as possible in advance of the strike dates
• continue to post items at Post boxes or Post Offices, though collections will be less frequent on days when strike action is taking place.

Regular updates can be found on: royalmail.com/latest-news