An issue which has attracted plenty of coverage locally and nationally – including a double page spread in last week’s Crawley Observer – is that of the leave/remain UK/EU referendum on Thursday 23rd June.
As I wrote last week, I’ll be voting to leave. It’s right that coverage is being given to what is the biggest decision our country will take for a generation.
While not detracting from the importance of this referendum, the work of MPs does continue on a wide range of subjects.
I’m supporting the Make Rail Refunds Easier campaign organised by consumer champions ‘Which?’.
As delays continue on Govia Thameslink Railway’s Southern and Thameslink services (I met with their management again last week), so does their responsibility to ensure it’s as easy as possible for passengers to claim their money back.
I was concerned to read findings from ‘Which?’ that show only a third of passengers who may have been entitled to compensation actually made a claim. Train companies need to do more to advise passengers of their compensation scheme for a rail delay or cancellation, and help them find out if they are eligible.
Last week I was pleased to hold my third Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair at the Civic Hall.
There were a range of organisations in attendance, including the event’s sponsors B&CE The People’s Pension, Virgin Atlantic, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, Westminster Homecare and CGG. Thanks as well to Nestle for kindly donating coffee and Kit Kats!
I’m grateful to all who took the time to set up an exhibit and talk to people interested in apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
I was also pleased to meet with the Crawley Town Supporters Alliance to donate a couple of Easter eggs to their appeal for Chestnut Tree House.
Chestnut Tree House is the only children’s hospice in Sussex and are extremely deserving of our support. If you are able to donate any Easter eggs, please drop them off at the CTSA cabin before home games, on the coach on official away travel, or at the club’s reception during office hours. The last date to donate is 24th March.