Fortnightly Update

Welcome to my eighth fortnightly update, designed to let you know what I am doing on your behalf as Cheltenham’s MP. Parliament is currently in recess, but there is still much going on affecting our town.

A real personal highlight of the last fortnight has been hosting my third annual internship for 16 to 19-year olds. Many of us are concerned about the apparent lack of political engagement by our young people. This internship is designed to play a small part in addressing that – here in Cheltenham at least. The interns had the chance to try their hand at a mock parliamentary maiden speech, had a go at debating in the Council chamber, and were taught about the (sometimes labyrinthine…) world of local democracy. And they got those all-important CV points of course!

These updates are still a work in progress. Do let me have your feedback as to how they can be improved. Thank you for reading.

Best wishes,

P.S. You have received this email, as someone who has written to me in the past. I like to keep constituents updated on my work for Cheltenham with email fortnightly updates. If you would not like to receive these please reply stating 'UNSUBSCRIBE' or click on the 'unsubscribe' button at the top of this email.

Alex Chalk MP

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Over The Last Two Weeks, Alex has:

IN CHELTENHAM

Hosted his third annual internship week for Cheltenham students, concluding with a formal debate in the Council chamber
Called for an urgent inquiry into reports that Cheltenham's Banksy has been removed READ MORE HERE
Condemned 'unacceptable’ disparities in life expectancy in Cheltenham READ MORE HERE
Supported the launch of the Holst Museum's fundraising campaign READ MORE HERE
Welcomed the Government's £9 million investment into an improved ‘hamburger junction’ at Elmbridge Court roundabout READ MORE HERE
Held talks with BT Openreach to discuss their proposed Community Fibre Partnership scheme to help local residents living in broadband 'e-poverty' across the town. A full detailed update for each of the affected areas will follow shortly
Was quizzed by service-users of the P3 charity on Prestbury Road about issues ranging from housing to crime
Joined local business people for the launch of new Cheltenham design firm ‘&Sons' at Formal House on St George's Place
Supported the excellent Cheltenham Science Group at the 'Create on the Square’ pop-up in Hesters Way
Met staff and patients at the Brownhill Centre in St Paul’s to discuss support in Gloucestershire for people suffering from eating disorders
Welcomed a representative from the charity 'Teens in Crisis' to his Cheltenham office to learn more about their work
Met with the Councillors for Lansdown ward to receive an update regarding the proposed permit parking zone in Cheltenham
Held a constituency surgery for local people
Met residents in Warden Hill to support the St Christopher’s Church Gardening Club Annual Show
Addressed members of the Cheltenham Macular Society in Christchurch Parish Hall
Held talks with the Chair and Chief Executive of the NHS 2gether Trust about mental health provision in Cheltenham
Unveiled a memorial bench to local disability champion and former director of Moss Construction, Len Gayler READ MORE HERE
Made a flying visit to West Wales to support Gloucestershire's Army Cadet Force at their summer camp (and did a regulation abseil down a dam of course!)
Held a community surgery at Tesco on Tewkesbury Road
Welcomed the Davis Cup tennis trophy to Cheltenham
Supported Cheltenham Rotary Club's annual garden party
Spoke out about the issue of dog fouling, raising it with the local council
Launched his MP’s Christmas card design competition in local schools

IN THE MEDIA

Interviewed by BBC Radio Gloucestershire regarding the Holst Museum's fundraising efforts following severe flooding damage.
Spoken to the Press Association and the BBC regarding the apparent damage to Cheltenham's Banksy
Written two columns for the Echo READ HERE

UPCOMING CONSTITUENCY SURGERIES

Alex will be holding a constituency surgery in September for residents who wish to raise any issues with him. Appointments must be booked in advance by calling Hannah Wright on 01242 210473 or emailing hannah.wright@parliament.uk