On Thursday this week, Andrew Mitchell set off on his annual festive tour of visits to some of the key workers who keep the Royal Town ticking over throughout the Christmas period. 

Andrew said:

“I was hugely impressed by how the staff at the office are managing deliveries at the busiest time of year. I spoke to Lead Customer Operations Manager Beverley Orton, who told me the postal service receive twice as many parcels and letters than usual during the Christmas period!

“Across the country, Royal Mail have been rolling out strategies to ensure Christmas goodies are delivered on time – and Sutton Coldfield’s office is no exception.

“Sutton Coldfield Delivery Office has hired 11 new recruits and added 6 extra vehicles for the Christmas period to meet increased demand for deliveries in the local area.

“I was so pleased to meet the team who make the season of giving possible, and to show them my support.”

He then toured Good Hope with Simon Jarvis, the hospital’s Executive Director, thanking all the staff for their work throughout the year – especially over the festive season.

The winter months can provide huge challenges for the NHS and for individuals, but the staff at Good Hope Hospital are always there to provide Suttonians with the support they need.

When most people are opening gifts around the tree or sitting down to Christmas dinner, many of these nurses, doctors and support staff will be on duty at Good Hope, providing that vital safety net for all of us.

Finally, he visited the police station with Superintendent Emlyn Richards, the Royal Town’s Chief of Police, to thank our local police officers for looking after us.

Andrew said:

“While there may be a question mark over the future of the building, no one would ever question the dedication and service of the brave men and women who keep all of us in Sutton Coldfield safe. It was a privilege to pass on the thanks of residents during my visit.”

A few days earlier, Andrew visited the Royal Sutton Fire and Rescue Service, to thank our local firefighters not only for their work in the Royal Town, but also for the national role the rescue service plays from our fire station.

The past few years have seen the national Fire and Rescue Service investing greatly in Sutton Coldfield’s local chapter. Back in 2022, our fire station became the third Technical Rescue Unit in the West Midlands, a specialist unit who help people in situations beyond the capability of usual firefighters.

Andrew told them:

“I am immensely grateful for all the workers at Sutton’s Fire and Rescue service, who will be working tirelessly over the festive period so we can celebrate safely.”