It was a pleasure to visit the Kilburn Institute on Saturday to discuss a range of local and national topics. The Q&A lasted around an hour and half and was kindly organised by Cllr Graham Matthews.
I was encouraged by residents' enthusiasm and ideas on broad matters including the NHS, electric vehicles, young people, climate change, levelling up and transport. On the latter point, I share Kilburn residents' disappointment in the announcement regarding Northern Powerhouse Rail and publicly voiced this both in the House of Commons and more broadly. Have no doubt, I will continue to make my constituents' views known on this.
Focussing on Kilburn itself, residents raised the parking issues in the square, where potential solutions were discussed, as well as the 2018 decision to prevent volunteers from tending to the White Horse. Residents will know I rallied against this unnecessary bureaucracy as a potential deterrent to volunteering and I fully understand the longstanding frustration on this matter. Moreover, the plans to restore the village hall were covered and I'm fully supportive of this project, given the huge loss to the community if it falls into disrepair. I will continue to follow this matter closely.
I want to thank all those who attended and wish the wider village and surrounding communities a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. I’d be delighted to be invited to attend similar events in other towns/villages in 2022.
