Reflecting on the last week or so of constituency activities I am prepared to concede they have been quite heavily dominated by pubs and other hospitality businesses, that is not necessarily a bad thing! Last week's visit to the Sun Inn was a real joy, and the pub is decorated so cleverly that it was just fun to be in.
I am very conscious that hospitality businesses are hard up against the challenges of rising National Insurance contributions, an increase in the minimum wage, rising energy costs, as well as higher prices for all the goods they need to buy in. I was struck that the Sun Inn was coming up with innovative deals for the over 60s like their two courses for £9.95, and of course is doing a great job at combating social isolation and loneliness.
It was interesting, with the work experience students who were with me last week, to visit a large range of local businesses and organisations and that has continued this week, as well as number of Parish Council meetings. I have been in Penton Mewsey and East Dean this week, listening to concerns about the Borough Local Plan. The consultation process ends on 5th September and it is crucial that residents, who have a view on the allocations put forward, get their responses in by the 5th.
Coming home late on Wednesday evening I passed a number of massive tractors and grain trailers going through Lockerley and reflected on how important our farmers are, not least in keeping us fed! I know how tough harvest is, and those tractors had their lights on as it got dark, but were still out working. Too many people forget that without our farmers we would have no food, a radically different landscape, and in many cases they are the forgotten custodians of our environment. So I wanted to take this opportunity just to say thank you.
