I'm continuing to fight for a better deal

Havant MP Alan Mak and members of Innovation Fitness

Havant MP Alan Mak reflects on a busy wee trying to get fit in his constituency and in Westminster

THE latest jobs figures released last week were good news for our local economy. The number of people claiming unemployment benefit across Havant is down year-on-year, reflecting our robust jobs market and strong economy.

During my frequent visits to businesses around the constituency, a positive trading picture emerges.

Because my family ran a small high street shop, I’m especially glad to see our small businesses flourishing.

One of those is Innovations Fitness, led by ex-Royal Navy physical training instructor George ‘Topsy’ Turner.

I joined one of his boot camps and I was delighted to hear how popular his fitness sessions were proving and how many people he had helped get in shape.

Sadly I have a long way to go.

In Westminster I continue to fight for a better deal for local residents.

I met again with rail minister Paul Maynard over the Southern industrial action to stress to him the travel chaos the dispute is causing to passengers.

On a brighter note, Havant railway station car park is being expanded and I helped launch the work.

I also met the new police minister Brandon Lewis to lobby him about ways to change the funding formula to ensure Hampshire Constabulary can get more officers on the beat.

I also welcomed students from Prospect School to parliament and enjoyed a lively question and answer session.

I’m keen to get every school to Westminster during my first term as your MP.

Last week also saw the draft proposals to equalise parliamentary constituency boundaries throughout the country.

It is right to cut the number of MPs to 600.

I look forward to reviewing the draft proposals in detail and no matter what shape the constituency finally takes, I will continue to work hard for all Havant residents.

Keep Friday, October 14 free for my Havant Older Persons’ Information Fair which takes place at the Hayling Island Community Centre from 10am to 3pm.

It brings together a number of charities, government agencies and social groups to showcase what is on offer for older residents locally.

Hampshire County Council, the NHS, police, fire service and the Pensions Service and many others will be there.

Admission and parking are free. The News is our media partners.

Why not sign up for my newsletter via my website, AlanMak.org.