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Fortnightly Update

Welcome to my fortnightly update, which includes a summary of what I've been up to over the last two weeks (in both bullet point and photo form), as well as a look ahead at the events coming up across Cheltenham.
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Over The Last Two Weeks
  • The long running campaign to end the notorious bottleneck at the A417 roundabout has taken a major step forward, with the Government approving the vital first stage on the road to the 'Missing Link' scheme. READ MORE HERE
  • This follows a recent written question I submitted to the Department for Transport, stepping up the pressure on the Government over the high accident rate at Air Balloon roundabout. READ MORE HERE
  • I became a founding member of a new Parliamentary group campaigning to help women affected by the equalisation of the state pension age. READ MORE HERE
  • I spoke out in Parliament in favour of allowing Cheltenham's schools to choose their own governance arrangements. WATCH HERE 
  • I welcomed the Government's change of heart over forced academisation, following concerns raised by myself and Parliamentary colleagues. READ MORE HERE
  • I officially launched my joint campaign with Richard Graham MP to toughen stalking laws, with the Sentencing Minister in attendance. READ MORE HERE 
  • I held a conference call with Virgin Media to discuss my efforts to assist those residents languishing in 'e-poverty' with poor broadband speeds.
  • I welcomed the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan MP, to Cheltenham to visit the excellent Rowanfield Junior School. READ MORE HERE 
  • I met Fairview residents at a local community association drop in session.
  • I supported a community fundraiser at the Cornerstone Centre in Whaddon.
  • I met the managers of the Regent Arcade and House of Fraser to discuss the future of Cheltenham's High Street.
  • I held a local community surgery for constituents to raise casework issues.
  • Signed a 90 inch birthday card to the Queen organised by the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
  • I met residents in Springbank to discuss Stagecoach's planned changes to the C bus service.
  • I launched a campaign to clean up Cheltenham's grot spots. READ MORE HERE 
  • I attended the Pip and Jim's Celebration Concert.
  • I welcomed students from Gloucestershire College to Parliament.
  • I supported the opening of the new Old Fire Station pub in St James' Square.
  • I met the Cheltenham Development Task Force to receive an update on local regeneration plans.
  • I visited residents at the Sandfields Care Home on St George's Road.
  • I officially opened the new Repair Cafe at St Andrew's Church in Montpellier.
  • I attended a Tennyson poetry recital for the Cheltenham Poetry Festival.
  • I wrote two weekly columns for the Echo. READ THEM HERE 
  • I backed the campaign to protect Britain's bees at a Friends of the Earth meeting in Parliament.
  • I addressed the Cheltenham Palestinian Solidarity group.
In addition, I have responded to hundreds of emails from constituents and attended a number of other debates and events in Parliament and in Cheltenham. To view the full list of my written and oral contributions in Parliament CLICK HERE.

This weekend I will (amongst other things) be:
  • Supporting the East Glos Tennis and Squash Club Open Day.
  • Volunteering as an announcer at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.
  • Supporting Cheltenham's Water Polo team.
  • Taking part in the Charlton Kings Community Cricket Day.
PHOTO GALLERY
Welcoming the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan MP, to Rowanfield Junior School
Backing the campaign to protect Britain's bees
Launching my campaign to lengthen the maximum sentence for stalking in Parliament
With stalking campaigners, victim Dr Ellie Aston and Sentencing Minister, Dominic Raab MP, for the launch of my joint stalking campaign with Richard Graham MP in Parliament
Supporting the Cheltenham Poetry Festival
At the launch of the new Parliamentary Group on the women's state pension age
Meeting Springbank residents to discuss Stagecoach's changes to the C bus service
Wishing the Queen a very happy birthday in Imperial Gardens with representatives from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Congratulating Cheltenham Town on their (well deserved) promotion and return to the Football League
A mention in The Times...
 
WHATS ON IN CHELTENHAM
 
  • Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts (14-15 May). MORE HERE
  • Open Day at East Glos Tennis and Squash Club (Saturday 14 May). MORE HERE
  • Cheltenham Wine Festival (Saturday 14 May). MORE HERE
  • Voluntary Arts Week at Holst Birthplace Museum (14-15 May). MORE HERE
  • Charlton Kings Community Cricket Day (Sunday 15 May). MORE HERE
  • Cheltenham campaign day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) (17 May). For more information email Lillie.rowe@cheltenham.gov.uk or call 01242 775156
  • Carers Gloucestershire drop in session (18 May at Springbank Community Centre). For more information call 01452 500855 or email positivecaring@carersgloucestershire.org.uk.
  • Gloucestershire Business Show (18-19 May). MORE HERE
  • Cheltenham Youth Football League Cup Finals (Saturday 21 May at Bishops Cleeve Football Club)
  • Record Fair at the Town Hall (Saturday 21 May). MORE HERE
  • Giffords Circus at Sudeley Castle. MORE HERE
  • Cheltenham Family Science Day (21 May). MORE HERE
  • Family Fun Day at All Saints Academy (Saturday 28 May) MORE HERE
Copyright © 2016 Alex Chalk MP, All rights reserved.


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