MP is convinced Hayling Island residents should keep recycling centre

HERO Peter McQuade and his family join Alan Mak in London

It’s a great honour to serve you, and thanks to News readers for your continuing support and positive comments about this column.

The Queen set out the government’s legislative agenda for the coming year, which benefits the Havant constituency and the whole country.

A number of key policies caught my eye: a new legal right to fast broadband connections for every household; new powers for councils like Havant to keep business rates so we have more control over our local economy; and a new law to help switch banks and energy providers more easily to cut household bills.

Congratulations to Hayling Island’s Peter McQuade, the heroic organiser of the Hayling to Paris bike ride who received his MBE at Buckingham Palace recently. Peter has organised and completed 30 bike rides, raising more than £1.5m.

I enjoyed welcoming Peter and his family to parliament and I wish him all the best for his 31st ride.

I was pleased to welcome Hampshire County Council’s environment chief, Councillor Rob Humby, to Hayling Island to discuss the future of the island’s Household Waste Recycling Centre at a meeting I chaired.

I was joined by Allison Wiltshire who has organised a residents’ petition to save the popular tip, and Hayling councillors Frank Pearce, Mike Wilson and Clare Satchwell. Hayling residents want their tip to stay open.

Following a good-natured meeting, I’m confident the county council now has a better understanding of Hayling’s unique geography and community needs. The public consultation remains open until the end of today.

Links to this and the residents’ petition can be found on my website AlanMak.org.uk.

In a busy week on Hayling, I also joined North East Hayling Residents’ Association for its annual meeting and presented the prizes for the second year at Hayling St Andrew’s Football Club.

In Westminster too, I’ve continued to champion residents and businesses across the constituency. I successfully gained backing from prime minister David Cameron for job creation at the new Dunsbury Hill Farm business park near Leigh Park.

First tenants FatFace clothing have already agreed to move in.

My next drop-in surgery is on June 10 at the Meridian Centre, Havant, 10-11.30am. No appointment needed.