Latest News
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
May 17 2013
I was sad when I read in the Advertiser that Nottinghamshire County Council believes more than 1,400 children in the county are not getting the free school meals they are entitled too. A good school dinner can set kids up for the rest of the day and they should never be frowned upon. One of the things I’ll never tolerate is an outdated view that getting free school meals is a barrier to any future success. As a former free school meal kid myself I know this is nonsense. What better evidence to back this up than when I recently went to one local school and discovered how those receiving free school meals are going from strength to strength and in fact receiving some of the best results in the whole school.
KARA members shows local MP what Kirkby could lose if development is given the go ahead
May 14 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero joined Liz Shirley of Kirkby Area and Residents’ Association (KARA) on a short walk through countryside which could be affected by a major new housing development.
Earlier this year Nottinghamshire based developers Westerman Homes announced plans to create a major new development in Kirkby and if they are given the green light the Mowlands scheme could include up to 1,800 new houses across almost 170 hectares of land.
Gloria's Tin Hat Centre intervention secures meetings with local council chiefs
May 13 2013
Last Friday (10th May) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero joined local campaigners and volunteers at the Tin Hat Centre in Selston to show her support for the struggling charity.
Following an intervention from the MP last month the charity now has two important meetings set up with local council chiefs to discuss its future in the next few weeks. From July the community hub will run out funds to pay for their core costs and the trustees are desperately seeking funding in order to tide them over. They need approximately £3,000 every month to cover the four staff salaries and save the Centre.
Gloria's expense claims for December 2012 - January 2013
May 11 2013
MPs expense claims have been processed for December 2012 - January 2013 and published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Gloria: Instead of supporting people suffering from the blight of ASB the Government is proposing to weaken powers
May 9 2013
Gloria De Piero MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Office Minister, commenting on the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Bill, said:
"This is a Government with no answers to the big challenges facing Britain. Instead of supporting people suffering from the blight of anti-social behaviour (ASB) the Government is proposing to weaken powers and make victims wait for the help they deserve.
"Theresa May proposes to abolish the ASBO and replace it with the weaker IPNA. Breach of an ASBO was a criminal offence. Breach of the new IPNA will not be. The new Community remedy must not be a substitute for court action in serious cases and the Government has failed to heed the advice of the police, dog charities and other campaigners to introduce the Dog Control notice which would help to prevent attacks. Local authorities and enforcement agencies need powers to intervene in cases where they feel they can prevent incidents.
Gloria writes for the Chad
May 8 2013
One of the things that makes me most angry is when I receive letters from residents about the failure of local agencies to act quickly to deal with nuisance neighbours and anti-social behaviour. It makes my blood boil when I hear that a victim feels THEY are the ones who have to move when it should be the perpetrator. A series of Freedom of Information Requests have revealed that there were 4,770 incidents of anti-social behaviour in Ashfield in the last year and roughly speaking that works out around 40 incidents for every thousand people. The authorities should always act quickly to reduce this serious problem but the Government is turning the clock back with plans to scrap the ASBO and replace it with a weaker power which carries no criminal sanction for a breach.
Ashfield MP uncovers 255 per cent increase in A&E waiting times and missed targets
May 1 2013
Figures obtained by Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero show that the number of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E departments at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes King’s Mill Hospital, has increased dramatically compared to the same time last year.
The huge increase came to light after Gloria tabled a Parliamentary written question to the Secretary of State for Health to determine how many patients had to wait longer in the accident and emergency wards of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the week ending 14th April 2013 compared to the week ending 15 April 2012.
Gloria urges Nottinghamshire County Council to get house in order
April 30 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has urged Nottinghamshire County Council to get their house in order after complaining about the length of time she has to wait for a response to her letters sent out on behalf of constituents.
The local MP resorted to e-mailing the chief executive’s office yesterday in an attempt to chase up a response to her own complaint about the delays, which was originally sent by letter, last year and dated 10th December 2012.
Shadow Minister for Care & Older People meets Ashfield residents to discuss health and care concerns
April 29 2013
Last Friday (April 26th) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was joined by Liz Kendall, Shadow Minister for Care and Older People, as she hosted a small discussion to talk about the provision of care for older people.
The Shadow Minister and Gloria heard from brother and sister, Andy Pye and Val Doughty who told the two politicians about their eighty year old mum, Ms Pye’s time in a Sutton care home. After just three and a half years the bill already stands at a massive £45,000 and after selling the family home they are increasingly worried about how they will be able to afford to pay for her care over the next few years. The cost of the care has been self-funded so far but the two siblings are now worried as their mum’s savings have now fallen below the £23,250 threshold which should mean now be entitled to financial support from the council. Despite contacting the council weeks ago neither has heard anything back and Gloria is now taking up the case with council bosses.
Anti-social behaviour is still a problem in our area
April 24 2013
Local MP Gloria De Piero has urged the Government not to scrap the ASBO and called for faster action to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Ashfield.
A detailed breakdown obtained by Freedom of Information Requests from the Shadow Home Office Minister and research by statisticians from the House of Commons Library has revealed new figures, which show in Ashfield there were 4,770 anti-social behaviour incidents recorded by the police in 2012.
Anti-social behaviour tops the agenda at Gloria's coffee morning
April 22 2013
Last Saturday (20th April) saw the return of Gloria De Piero’s popular coffee morning for Ashfield constituents at the Anchor Centre in Skegby and anti-social behaviour topped the agenda during the hour long chat.
A new round of residents’ surveys was also rolled out to coincide with the first Ashfield coffee morning of the year and dog fouling, road safety and speeding were also brought to the attention of the local MP.
Shadow Business Secretary visits Ashfield success story
April 19 2013
On Friday (19th April) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero took Chuka Umunna, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to see leading local firm Synseal
Originally set up in 1980 the company is now the largest British owned PVC systems company, contributing significantly to the local economy by employing over seven hundred members of staff and recording a turnover of more than £90 million last year.
Gloria raises concerns over bus service in rural areas
April 15 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has taken up the cases of two Underwood residents who came to see her at this week’s advice surgery to complain about the lack of evening and weekend bus services available.
Ashfield pensioner puts her concerns directly to spokeswoman on energy prices
April 12 2013
A Sutton pensioner who previously raised energy prices with local MP Gloria De Piero had the chance to put her concerns directly to Caroline Flint, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change.
The Ashfield MP arranged for Caroline Flint to meet with Mrs Riley at her home on Gilcroft Street, Sutton and they spent half an hour chatting about the ever increasing cost of energy bills over a cup of tea. The spokeswoman for energy was then shocked to find out that Mrs Riley’s latest quarterly energy bills came to over £500, adding to the pensioner’s worries about the cost of heating her home.
Shadow Secretary of State for DEFRA joins Gloria in Eastwood
April 11 2013
Gloria De Piero was joined by Mary Creagh, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. During a busy afternoon the two MPs paid a visit to a food bank run by the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau before finding time to have a chat with the owner of popular Hilltop butchers, Hand & Son.
Gloria arranged for the shadow DEFRA spokeswoman to visit the food bank after being impressed by the work of the manager, Sue Bagshaw and volunteers during a previous visit late last year. Back then the local MP had promised she would invite Mary up to Eastwood to witness for herself the excellent work going on in the in the area and to ask if she could offer the charity some advice given her extensive brief covers the issue.
MP raises Eastwood lady's concerns over welfare reforms with Iain-Duncan Smith
April 10 2013
Yesterday afternoon (9th April) local MP Gloria De Piero attended a special advice session organised by the Eastwood People’s Initiative and chatted with a number of residents who have been affected by the recent Government welfare reforms.
Gloria was invited to attend one of the Initiative’s first sessions since a raft of new welfare reforms were introduced at the beginning of this month and the MP was on hand to listen to firsthand accounts of how some of the Eastwood residents have been personally affected.
Gloria visits Eastwood ambulance station following reprieve
April 5 2013
Yesterday (4th April) local MP Gloria De Piero went to Eastwood Ambulance Station to meet staff following the recent announcement by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) that the station will be saved from closure.
During the visit Gloria met Leigh Smith, from Giltbrook, who is the clinical lead and has been with the service for over twenty four years. Leigh actually began his career in the control room before becoming a frontline member of staff in 1991 and he told the MP how relieved all of the staff were when it was finally announced that the town’s station was to remain open.
Gloria writes for the Chad
April 3 2013
Being an MP is about being able to fight the corner of people who come to see me for help or advice. I don’t always win but it never stops me taking up a case. Last week a Sutton pensioner came to see me after he caught a TM Travel bus. His free pass wouldn’t swipe properly so the driver charged him £5 return. On his way back, a different driver told him that shouldn’t have happened and he should have been issued with a £0 concession ticket. The gentleman rang TM Travel to ask for his £5 back and in response they did confirm the first driver was wrong BUT said they have a policy of not issuing refunds so he can’t get his money back! I’ve since written to the chief executive to try and get his money back and I’ll let you know how we get on. Fingers crossed.
Gloria's expenses
March 28 2013
MPs' latest expense claims have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Gloria writes for the Chad
March 27 2013
I was at King’s Mill last week and I was shocked to see a sign that revealed 30,000 people missed an appointment last year and didn’t bother to cancel at a staggering cost of £3m. To put it another way – that money could be used to hire another 125 nurses! We all love our NHS and rightly demand the highest standards of care but love means having respect. If we have to miss a hospital appointment we should do all we can to give the hospital a call to let them know the day before so they can offer the appointment to someone else.
When people do talk to me about healthcare the first thing they usually mention is the kindness of the staff. If you'd like to submit a nominations for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals “People’s Award” to recognise an outstanding hospital employee who provides exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty then email thepeoples.awards@sfh-tr.nhs.uk
Gloria shows her support for Eastwood attraction during English Tourism week
March 22 2013
Gloria De Piero visited the D.H Lawrence Heritage Centre to show her support for the award winning local attraction as part of English Tourism Week.
The weeklong national initiative has been designed to promote and support attractions throughout England and this week the Birthplace Museum and Heritage Centre have had special themed tours where children can dress up like a Victorian, design bunting and flags and even make their very own Queen Victoria peg doll – Queen Pegotoria!
Gloria's guest column for the Chad - A Budget Special
March 21 2013
Budget day is a big box office event in the House of Commons. Whereas Prime Ministers Questions is normally the main Parliamentary event of the week, it’s very much relegated to a warm up act on Budget day as MPs are itching to hear what the Chancellor has to say. I was lucky enough to get called for Prime Ministers Questions last week - I say lucky because it’s a total lottery whether or not you are picked to ask a question and though I enter each week my name has only been picked 4 times in nearly 3 years - it really is the luck of the draw. I asked the PM how he planned to spend his millionaires’ tax cut. A bit cheeky I know but I thought it made the point - the PM shouted something rude back. The truth is that I couldn't tell you exactly what his response was because the noise levels are so high inside the Commons Chamber that you genuinely miss large chunks of what's being said - it’s much, much louder than it appears on the TV. On budget day MPs are even more boisterous. The Speaker does his best to calm the atmosphere quipping that the panto season isn't due to start for 8 months and so MPs should stop auditioning. In truth the forecasts for whether things are going to pick up were pretty bleak - I genuinely hope those forecasts are wrong because they aren't just raw numbers and data - its peoples’ lives.
Gloria writes for the Chad
March 20 2013
One of the most common problems constituents raise with me is the dreaded pothole and it seems as though as soon as one is fixed another one pops up. That’s why I wasn’t surprised when a report this week found that ‘one in three roads are poor, very poor or terrible’. I know it’s an issue that drives motorists crazy because of the number of times it comes up when I meet people on the doorstep. I regularly write to bosses at Notts County Council to complain on behalf of fed up folk so if you’ve got a pothole problem near you then get in touch and I’ll ask when they plan to sort it.
Gloria drops in Kirkby work-club session to find out what is being done to tackle unemployment
March 18 2013
Last Friday morning (15th March), Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero dropped into one of the special work club sessions that are run from Kirkby Library every Friday morning to find out more about the role it is playing in giving people the skills and confidence necessary to get back into work.
The work clubs which are run by Nottinghamshire County Council offer people searching for work in the area guidance on all manner of work related topics; including top tips on CV writing, interview skills and techniques, training opportunities as well hosting guest speakers from local businesses who offer firsthand advice and expertise.
MP joins in the fun at Kirkby school for Red Nose Day
March 15 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero joined in the fun with pupils and staff from Jeffries Primary and Nursery School as they dressed up to raise as much money as possible for Comic Relief 2013 this afternoon (15th March).
This year staff and children of all ages donated £1 to come into school with crazy haircuts, wigs and red noses. Over 200 pupils attend the school on Vernon Road, Kirkby, and the head teacher, Helen Bent, revealed the school managed to raise a fantastic £210, eclipsing the previous amount raised last year.
Gloria writes for the Chad
March 13 2013
My parliamentary inbox and postbag are always brimming with letters and e-mails from constituents on all manner of different subjects. One of my main jobs each day is to go through them and decide how I can help. Last week, a lady from Sutton wrote to me complaining about the behaviour of MP’s during Prime Minister’s Questions and I have to agree - it isn't our finest hour. I've always felt that the braying Punch and Judy type of politics is one of the things that puts people off politicians and politics in general. I wish it was in my gift to change it. Sadly it isn't so I’ve written to the Speaker on her behalf to let him know exactly what she thinks. I’ll let you know when he replies. It doesn't matter what issue you've got or who it is with, if you have a concern then I’ll always try to raise it with those in charge, politicians included.
MP urges Government action to speed up recovery
March 11 2013
Last Friday afternoon (March 8th) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero met with bosses at Pinxton based construction firm Van Elle to discuss plans for expansion in Kirkby after the firm recently acquired a new site in the town.
The local ground engineering contractor is going from strength to strength and during the meeting the company revealed ambitious plans to open a new site by the end of August, which will create several jobs in the area and boost the local economy.
Gloria writes for the Chad
March 6 2013
POST OFFICE UPDATE – Those of you who read my column will know that I’ve been constantly badgering Post Office bosses in an effort to secure a permanent branch in the precinct area in Kirkby. It’s been hard work and there have been a couple of false dawns but after writing to them once again the Regional Network Manager has now told me we are on the verge of having a service to be proud of in the town. A public consultation will begin on March 7th and they are looking at having a branch open towards the end of May. It’s taken much longer than any of us would have liked but it just goes to show perseverance pays off. Thanks again to everyone who has contacted me and helped keep up the pressure - together it looks like we’ve finally got a result.
Crisis looms as demand for advice from Eastwood CAB increases ahead of welfare reforms
March 4 2013
Last week Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero met with Sue Maslowska, District Manager of Broxtowe Citizens Advice Bureau to learn more about some of the most common and pressing issues facing Eastwood users of the service this year.
Both service managers at the Eastwood CAB were also present during the meeting, as the MP set about finding out why bosses at the charity are concerned they are starting to see a steady increase in the number of users at the Bureau in Wellington Place.
MP donates much needed items during visit to local food bank
March 1 2013
Gloria De Piero visited the new storage unit used by Ashfield Voluntary Action in Sutton to find out more about their latest work, which now includes running a busy food bank to support people in Ashfield who are in crisis.
During her visit to the depot, Gloria met with Janet from Ashfield Voluntary Action and Steve the food bank manager, as well as a couple of volunteers who help ensure that the food parcels reach those people most in need, before donating her very own supply of tinned and preserved foods.
Gloria writes for the Chad
27 February 2013
King’s Mill Hospital has been in the headlines again after it was reported that the trust had higher than average mortality rates. I know people will be concerned and anyone who wants me to raise the case of a loved one with hospital bosses should contact me. I am pleased that there's going to be an independent inspection because Ashfield deserves the best healthcare available. I read in last week’s Chad that hospital chiefs have said we have no need to be afraid and I that steps have already been taken which have resulted in improvements. I’ll be monitoring the situation closely.
Gloria writes to Secretary of State over Pension reforms as Ashfield women set to lose out
25 February 2013
Local MP Gloria De Piero has written to Iain Duncan-Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, after House of Commons Library research recently revealed that around seven hundred women in Ashfield are set to lose out following the government’s pension reforms.
The Ashfield MP asked local women who will be affected to get in touch with her office so that she could raise their cases directly with the secretary of state and highlight the injustice of the reforms. Several women have since been in contact with Gloria and she has promised to raise their specific cases with Iain Duncan-Smith.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
22 February 2013
The horsemeat fiasco has made us all feel a bit queasy. I stopped eating meat for a bit in my teens when mad cow disease was dominating the headlines - back then it was farmers who were to blame. Today it’s many of the ready meal manufacturers who are in the firing line. One positive to come out of all this will be that we return to buying meat from our local butchers. Philip, owner of Ken Hand & Son Butchers at Hilltop says he has seen a big increase in sales over the last week or so: “We might not be able to compete with supermarkets but we can reassure our customers that we can trace anything they buy right back to farm it came from. We’ve used our suppliers for thirty years and sales of stewing steak and mince have gone through the roof”. It’s also good news for those people who cook their own food rather than rely on the 'prick, prick' and a ping of the microwave to deliver a ready meal. There's a lesson in there for all of us.
MP hosts informal drop-in session with workers at Sutton based factory Crown Aersols
20 February 2013
Last week Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was at Sutton based firm Crown Aerosols after being invited to visit the site by staff earlier in the year.
This event marked a new way for Gloria to listen to constituents and each time she visits a workplace she will now ask bosses to set aside time and space for her to meet with staff as she has always put a high premium on being an accessible MP who listens.
Gloria writes for the Chad
13 February 2013
Pensions are a complicated business at the best of times and few of us understand the ins and outs of each and every detail, so when the Government announced a new flat rate £144 pension for everyone in 2017 I was interested. Unfortunately, I’ve now learnt that around 700 women in Ashfield born in 1952 or 1953 won’t be eligible when it comes into effect and they will be nearly £2,000 worse off than their husbands, brothers and other men born during the same period. If you’re one of the women affected I’d love to hear from you so I can raise this directly with government ministers.
Local pupils tell their MP what their priorities are for Eastwood
11 February 2013
Last Saturday (9th February) saw the return of Gloria De Piero’s popular coffee morning and the first one of the New Year for Eastwood constituents which took place at Beauvale Methodist Church Hall.
A new round of residents’ surveys was also rolled out to coincide with the event and Gloria said; “It was a great turn-out, packed full of people who are were so passionate and enthusiastic about their local community. These events give residents of all ages the chance to tell me what they really think about where they live, both good and bad and hopefully by coming together we can try and make a real difference”.
On the back of Gloria’s own residents’ survey, one young community spirited girl, Paige Amos, from Coach Drive, Eastwood, decided to conduct her own survey among fellow Year 10 Pupils at Eastwood Comprehensive. The 15 year old’s questionnaire was made up of five questions; what would you like to see introduced in Eastwood for teenagers, are there enough activities available in Eastwood, are there enough entertainment facilities in Eastwood, are there enough performing arts facilities in Eastwood and finally do you have any other suggestions to improve Eastwood.
MP becomes landmark member of Friends of Portland College Scheme
8 February 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero became the landmark member of the Friends of Portland College Scheme after the College invited her to sign up and become the 1,500th member of the exciting initiative.
During the visit the MP was presented with a specially designed oversized membership card by the College principal, Dr. Mark Dale and students, Daniel & Marcus to celebrate the college reaching the amazing milestone. The Friends of Portland scheme is a free membership scheme which enables members of the Portland community to keep in touch with College news together with providing opportunities to get involved at events. Current members include former students from the 63 years of the College’s history, family and friends, college staff, governors and a wide range of other enthusiastic supporters from the local community and beyond.
Eastwood school children teach local MP how to blog
4 February 2013
Local MP Gloria De Piero was the special guest in the Year 5 Class at Eastwood’s Brookhill Leys Primary School last Friday morning (February 1st) and during her trip she discovered more about their popular interactive online student blog.
On arrival Gloria was given a guided tour of the school by head teacher Jacqui Sainsbury and Governor Brain Griffin before being introduced to the thirty boys and girls who make up the Year 5 class, affectionately known as the Armadillo’s. The computer whizz-kids help maintain and run the online blog under the expert guidance of their teacher, Mr Bradley, who is also the ICT co-ordinator at the school and during the busy visit they taught Gloria exactly how their blog works and revealed some of the secrets of its recent success. The class even let the Eastwood MP write and upload her own message on to the blog which can be viewed by going online and following the link - www.thearmadillos.wordpress.com
Gloria writes for the Chad
30 January 2013
I was chatting with my pal, Labour politician and Dancing on Ice Star, Oona King about her partner on the show, Kirkby’s very own Mark Hanretty. She had this exclusive message for Chad readers; “He’s not just a local hero, he’s a national hero. To perform on TV with a dislocated shoulder proves he’s both courageous and professional. More to the point, you couldn’t find a nicer man, or a more beautiful ice skater. In fact one of the sad things about leaving Dancing on Ice was the circumstances of my last dance with Mark – for nearly 3 months we had a laugh together most days. I just wanted one last enjoyable dance with him during the show, but it didn’t work out that way. Instead I thought I nearly killed him but I’m thrilled he’ll now be a hands-on dad from the very beginning with his new baby, so Mark and his lovely wife Kathy might even thank me for tripping him up!” Oona told me she'll be coming to visit Mark soon. We look forward to welcoming you to Ashfield Oona.
MP meets trainee mechanics at West Nottinghamshire College's Ashfield Centre
28 January 2013
Last Friday (January 25th January) local MP Gloria De Piero went to the Ashfield Centre, which is part of Vision West Nottinghamshire College, to chat with students aged between 16 and 19 who are doing Entry & Level 1 Motor Vehicle BTECs. The MP wanted to find out how the youngsters are benefitting from this unique centre designed to engage young people who otherwise would be at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEETs).
Gloria had been eager to visit the site and discover what one of the country’s largest providers of education and apprenticeships is doing to help tackle unemployment and youth disengagement after official figures released last week revealed that long term youth unemployment in Ashfield is now up 120 per cent since the General Election in May 2010.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
25 January 2013
I’m hoping 2013 is the year we see good things happen to our high street. Broxtowe Council say it’s a priority to offer good terms for new businesses to start up and I applaud their efforts but I also think we can do our bit too because new businesses like Dunn-Lite need our support so they can grow and provide jobs. We need to nurture businesses like this so this week I’d like to single out a few I use regularly. Thank you to the Sun Inn for making my friends comfortable when they came to visit in December, to Geoff at the framers and arts shop, next door are Katie and the team at Style 2000 who look after my hair and it’s great to have a dry cleaners and the shoe heeling shop a little further down Nottingham Road. You will no doubt have your own favourites, so to all our local independent retailers who provide jobs as well as a fantastic service - we don't know what we'd do without you!
Eastwood MP speaks out in Parliament over closure threat to ambulance station
23 January 2013
On Monday during a debate in the House of Commons, which focused on East Midlands Ambulance Service, Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero raised the possible loss of the town’s ambulance station with Health Minister and Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry.
During the Commons clash Gloria said; “The loss of ambulance stations in semi-rural areas is a particular concern. The town of Eastwood in my constituency faces the loss of its ambulance station. Does my hon. Friend agree that closing an ambulance station cannot help already poor response times?”
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund helps Notts Ex & Retired Miners set up website
22 January 2013
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund has helped the Notts Ex & Retired Miners set up a brand new website which celebrates their fantastic heritage. Why don't you take a look.
Gloria urges greater Lottery spending in Ashfield
18 January 2013
This afternoon Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero visited the Carousel Under 5’s Nursery in Sutton to take a look at two recently completed graffiti themed murals, which were designed by at least two youngsters from each of Ashfield’s secondary schools.
Last year the North Ashfield Schools Behaviour and Attendance Partnership (NASBAP) based at the S.P.A.C.E Centre in Kirkby was awarded £9,500 as part of the Awards for All grant from the Lottery and the money was used to set up the community art project. All of the young people involved had been identified as being at risk of social exclusion or anti-social behaviour and the grant allowed the group to create the fantastic murals following a series of art sessions that last six weeks and included a special research trip to Nottingham.
Mums' say hats off to Tin Hat and Active Ants
17 January 2013
This afternoon (17th January) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero hosted a discussion that focused on the future of childcare and it gave a number of local mums the opportunity to tell their MP what they would like to see from Labour’s future childcare and education policy.
The event took place at the sports hall opposite the Tin Hat Centre in Selston and a number of women who use the Sure Start centre at the Tin Hat and the services at the neighbouring sports hall attended. The busy mums took time out from the afternoon session of ‘Active Ants’ to chat to their MP about some of the most difficult challenges mums in Ashfield face and what more can be done to help.
Gloria writes for the Chad
16 January 2013
I’d like to start my first Chad column of the year by wishing everyone a very happy New Year. I’ve decided that my New Year's resolution is to never take no for an answer. It worked in getting our walk-in-centre back, it worked when the Post Office were reluctant to put a temporary post office in the precinct in Kirkby and I have to say it worked for Peter Jankiwskj from Huthwaite who I was reading about in the Chad over Christmas. Peter got his money back after complaining to furniture store SCS after his new sofa fell apart within weeks. SCS initially offered Peter a 50 per cent refund which he rightly turned down. Well done to Peter for standing his ground and good work from the Chad once again for taking up the case.
MP will continue to raise residents' concerns
14 January 2013
On Tuesday 22nd January a decision will be made by Nottinghamshire County Council reagrding the proposed development of land at Two Oaks Farm, Derby Road, Mansfield by the Mansfield Sand Company. The proposal includes the extraction and processing of silica sand and the provision of a new site access road, landscaping and screening bunds.
Although Nottinghamshire County Council are no longer taking representation I have been contacted by a number of constituents about the impact the development may have on the surrounding area including concerns surrounding possible air pollution and traffic congestion. If other people who live nearby have similar concerns then please don't hesitate to get in touch with my office this week and I will still write to the Council to make sure they are aware of the strength of the feeling on this issue.
Gloria hosts hard hitting discussion on unemployment
12 January 2013
Last Friday afternoon (11th January) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero met with a number of young unemployed adults to hear their emotive and firsthand accounts on a variety of hard hitting issues including; unemployment, homelessness, health and education and training.
Four young adults who have been out of work for a long period of time had been invited to take part and let the local MP know exactly what problems they have encountered and some of the challenges they face as they strive to get on and make a success of their lives. Hayley and Jay were graduates with degrees in animation and design whilst Darren and Dan have both been to college before struggling to find work or being unable to work for a variety of different reasons.
Gloria writes for the Chad
11 January 2013
I’d like to start my first Chad column of the year by wishing everyone a very happy New Year. I’ve decided that my New Year's resolution is to never take no for an answer. It worked in getting our walk-in-centre back, it worked when the Post Office were reluctant to put a temporary post office in the precinct in Kirkby and I have to say it worked for Peter Jankiwskj from Huthwaite who I was reading about in the Chad over Christmas. Peter got his money back after complaining to furniture store SCS after his new sofa fell apart within weeks. SCS initially offered Peter a 50 per cent refund which he rightly turned down. Well done to Peter for standing his ground and good work from the Chad once again for taking up the case.
Gloria's expenses - August 2012 - September 2012
10 January 2013
MPs' expense claims processed in August 2012 - September 2012 have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Gloria urges action to stop Ashfield pub closures and gives Bagthorpe's Red Lion a plug in Parliament
10 January 2013
Yesterday afternoon (January 9th) during a debate on a statutory code of practice for pub companies in the House of Commons, local MP, Gloria De Piero, urged cross-party action in an attempt to prevent further pub closures in Ashfield.
Speaking in the Commons, Gloria told fellow MPs that; “The debate is not about playing party politics but about agreeing a course of action to save our pubs. In the past five years, we have lost nine pubs in Kirkby and Sutton and I do not want to lose another nine in the next five years, so I am pleased the House has come together to agree measures”.
Gloria presses Notts County Council over hold up in post box replacement
9 January 2013
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has written to bosses at Nottinghamshire County Council to urge them to grant permission to Royal Mail so that a new post box on Kirkby Folly Road, Sutton, can be installed as soon as possible.
The original post box was damaged by a lorry last summer and is yet to be replaced because Royal Mail are still waiting for Nottinghamshire County Council to grant them permission for work to be carried out. The Chief Executive’s office at Royal Mail has since told the local MP that they first submitted their request back in September last year and chased it up again in November, but they are still waiting for the Council to give them the go ahead.
Gloria picks Abbey Hill school girl as Christmas card competition winner
17 December 2012
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero, visited Abbey Hill Primary and Nursery School in Kirkby and surprised one lucky pupil when she revealed the winner of her annual Christmas card competition.
The judging took place last Friday and it took Gloria and representatives from the Chad and local firm Crystal Martin almost an hour to choose year 4 pupil, Jenifer Loyns, aged nine, as the overall winner of the annual card competition.
At the beginning of the first lesson, Gloria surprised Jenifer in front of the rest of her class, staff and her proud mum by declaring her as this year’s winner before presenting the nine year old girl with a House of Commons Teddy Bear and a special certificate to celebrate her fantastic artwork.
Gloria raises Community Hospital ward closures in Parliament
13 December 2012
Yesterday afternoon during a heated debate on the NHS, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero raised the issue of the ward closures at the community hospital in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
During the Commons clash Gloria said; “In Ashfield, there are proposals to close down wards at the community hospital. If the closure goes ahead, the situation will be particularly difficult for some patients who suffer from severe dementia, as their relative will have to travel 17 miles to see them. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that is unacceptable?”
Gloria writes for the Chad
12 December 2012
When I’ve been back home in Ashfield I’ve got well and truly into the festive spirit. The events in Kirkby and Sutton really started me off and I have to say that all of the volunteers really pulled out all of the stops. Not only did the stalls have some great gifts but they were raising cash for good causes as well. I bought my Mum and Dad a beautiful Christmas card from a stall in Sutton Centre and a cake recipe book from Teversal Football Club’s stall in Portland Square, whilst the wine and water game was an absolute revelation too. It was £1 a go and you chose a wrapped bottle which was either wine or water. £8 later I finally got what I wanted!
Gloria grilled by radio stars of the future at Sutton based Takeover Radio
10 December 2012
Last Friday (7th December) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was interviewed live on takeover Radio on the Boo & Bob show by two local sisters who have their heart set on a career on the airwaves. The two budding radio presenters, Lily aged nine and Lucy aged fourteen, are currently honing their skills at the Sutton based station and they quizzed the Ashfield MP about the area, her job and what she likes doing in her spare time.
After her live appearance on the Boo and Bob show, Gloria then took part in a pre-recorded interview with John and Darren. The two young men joined Takeover Radio earlier this year as part of a work experience scheme and they had prepared a number of challenging questions focusing on life in Westminster and Gloria’s achievements as MP.
Ashfield MP gets into the Christmas spirit
7 December 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero joined the crowds in Kirkby and watched on excitedly as the town began the countdown to the big Christmas tree lights switch on.
Earlier on in the afternoon the local MP made her way to the Festival Hall which was decked out in decorations and filled with craft and activity stalls as part of the Kirkby Town Centre Christmas Festival.
MP seeks meeting with Chancellor
6 December 2012
Yesterday afternoon during a debate on the Autumn Statement, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero challenged the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, over the failure of the Regional Growth Fund in Ashfield. This came about after a recent Parliamentary written question tabled last month by the Labour MP revealed that no projects in the constituency had been selected to receive funding.
During the Commons clash, Gloria told the Chancellor the Government’s flagship scheme had so far ‘not delivered a penny in Ashfield, and local business leaders across the East Midlands are saying that the scheme is just not working’. Gloria then demanded to know what changes the Chancellor was going to make to ensure that her constituents benefit from the Regional Growth Fund as well.
Gloria writes for the Advertiser
5 December 2012
Public life comes with its own stresses and strains as local Councillor Milan Radulovic will testify. It’s not very nice when someone who you have worked with and respect is portrayed as a benefit cheat but that's exactly what happened to Milan earlier this year. BUT last week officials at the DWP admitted they had made a mistake and have now apologised for the ‘clerical error’. The Judge at the Crown Court who was dealing with the matter told Mr Radulovic he “could leave court without a stain on his character”. Milan, you have served your community well over the years - I hope this terrible episode does not deter you from continuing in public service.
MP backs Ashfield Allstars fundraising efforts
4 December 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero visited Ashfield Allstars Cheerleading Squad in Selston an effort kick-start an appeal for extra funding that will make it possible for the youngsters to take part in national competitions next year.
The cheerleading squad was originally set up in March this year by Caroline Wilson, Ali Stothard-Brown and Lisa Dalley from Selston, who decided it would be a great activity for youngsters to get involved with, helping them keep fit and at the same time keeping them out trouble.
Gloria cuts birthday cake as The Tin Hat centre celebrates 10th birthday
2 December 2012
Yesterday Gloria De Piero cut a special birthday cake to mark the 10th anniversary of The Tin Hat Centre in Selston.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the popular community centre and given that Saturday was the first day of December the Tin Hat Centre decided to throw a Christmas Fayre. The event included a number of stalls, pampering, a Santa’s Toy Box Grotto by Selston High School and festive home-made food, tea and coffee will be served in the café. There was something for all of the family and the local Sure Start group which uses the building also put on a number of activities to keep the younger visitors entertained as well.
Ashfield MP joins the festive sun in Sutton
1 December 2012
Earlier today Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was at Portland Square as the town celebrated the start of the festive season and the countdown to the big light switch on.
This year the celebrations had been organised by members of the Sutton Town Centre Group and a special two day event began yesterday.
Gloria was invited by Liz Barrett, from the group, to come to the town centre and discover what festive treats were on offer as well as chatting to some of the local people behind the event. A variety of activities took place throughout the day, including; a Christmas quiz, a dance off and live singing before Paralympic hero Ollie Hynd switched on the lights just after 4pm.
Eastwood MP kick-starts Christmas food parcel appeal
30 November 2012
Today Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero visited the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and donated number of items including festive biscuits, tins of food and also soup which will now be packed into festive food parcels and distributed locally the week before Christmas.
In recent months the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau has seen a sharp increase in the number of food parcels distributed locally and the charity are now donating thirty parcels a week to people who need a helping hand. As Christmas rapidly approaches the Bureau are appealing to generous members of the public for any items that can be used in their special festive food parcels and which will go out alongside the normal parcels.
To be able to reach their target and deliver enough Christmas food parcels the Bureau estimate that they need almost double the amount of food they usually use. Any items donated will be sorted into food parcels with about a dozen items in each.
During the visit the local MP also had the chance to chat to Eastwood resident Marlene, a volunteer, to find out more about the appeal that she runs with the help of Robert and Carol and the other staff and volunteers at the Bureau.
Speaking after the visit Gloria said: “Times are still quite tough for some people and the demand unfortunately doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down any time soon. Christmas is a special time of year and this is a special appeal and I’m hoping that Eastwood folk will rally to the challenge and help out by donating whatever they can to this worthy cause. It doesn’t matter whether it is just one tin or a couple of mince pies all of it will make a huge difference this Christmas”.
Gloria writes for the Chad
28 November 2012
What a farce the Police Commissioner election was. Turnout was low and only about 1 in 7 of you bothered to vote. Time and again on the doorstep people told me either they didn’t have enough information, didn’t know the elections were happening, didn’t support them or didn’t want to go out in the dark to vote. The Government spent £100m on these elections. That money could have been spent on 3,000 police constable jobs and protecting front line services which is what everybody wants.
Local MP urges Eastwood folk to respond to ambulance proposals
26 November 2012
Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero has urged residents from Eastwood and the surrounding areas who have yet to respond to take part in the East Midlands Ambulance Service ‘Being the Best’ consultation which is asking the public for their views on the future of the service.
Under the proposals the town’s ambulance station could close along with every other station in Nottinghamshire - with the exception of one in the city and one at king’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Instead 131 community ambulance posts, standby points and hubs will replace the existing 66 stations across the region. Whilst Eastwood is on the list to base an ambulance in the form of a community ambulance post an exact location is yet to be decided.
School pupils tell MP what their priorities are
22 November 2012
Gloria De Piero went to Greenwood Primary and Nursery School in Kirkby as part of Parliament Week, an exciting initiative designed to explain how and why Parliament matters to everyone in every community.
The Ashfield MP spent half an hour with forty five pupils from the year six class at the school – some of whom asked questions about why Gloria became an MP, what was the longest debate in Parliament and who kept MPs in order in the House of Commons chamber and what she thought of Nadine Dorries MP, time in the jungle on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'.
Gloria writes to Health Secretary and regulator over changes to Community Hospital
21 November 2012
Earlier this week Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero wrote to the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt and the health regulator, Monitor, over the proposals to close and move the four wards currently located at the Community Hospital in Kirkby-in-Ashfield elsewhere.
The changes are likely to see the Community Hospital’s 16 bed stroke rehabilitation ward and the 20 bed Shelley Ward for dementia patients transferred to King’s Mill Hospital. The Chatsworth, a 16 bed in-patient ward for short stay injury rehabilitation is likely to be moved to Mansfield Community Hospital and the 10 bed Bronte Ward for dementia patients will go to a facility at Highbury Hospital in Bulwell.
Gloria to host tourism summit in Eastwood
20 November 2012
Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero is to host a specially organised tourism summit in the town at the end of next week (Friday 30th November). Gloria has pulled together a number of high profile people and organisations and persuaded them to take part in an effort to boost tourism in the area and the town’s famous links with D.H. Lawrence are expected to be at the forefront of the agenda.
Representatives from Visit England, English Heritage, Arts Council, Experience Nottinghamshire, East Midlands Museum Service, Nottingham University, Broxtowe Borough Council and D.H. Lawrence Heritage management are amongst those who have agreed to take part.
Gloria visits Springbank Primary School to show her support for Children in Need
19 November 2012
Last Friday (16th November) local MP Gloria De Piero joined children and staff at Eastwood’s Springbank Primary School to show her support for their fundraising activities for this year’s Children in Need.
On the afternoon of the famous fundraising day, Gloria visited the charity minded pupils as they donated 50p and donned fancy dress instead of coming to school in their usual uniform and there was no shortage of willing kids ready to dress up and celebrate the great cause.
Gloria backs calls to show respect to shop workers
16 November 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero visited staff at the Co-Op store in Selston to help highlight the shop-workers union, USDAW’s ‘Freedom of Fear’ campaign.
Gloria was delighted to give her public backing to the campaign and even donned a special t-shirt alongside staff to help promote the campaign which is calling on shoppers to show respect to all retail workers across the sector. During the visit the local MP was met by Sharon Sheriff, Operations Manager, Belinda Adamiec, Senior Risk Manager and staff from the shop floor and also given a short guided tour of the site.
MP takes boss of new partnership to meet with local businesses
13 November 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero took the boss of the new partnership tasked with helping drive economic growth in the area to meet with Kirkby business owner Zoe Thompson.
At the beginning of the morning Gloria met with Peter Richardson, Chair of the region’s new Local Enterprise Partnership, D2N2 and discussed plans for the economic development of the constituency. The meeting had been set up at the request of the local MP who was eager to discuss ideas as well as finding out what the new body can do to support much needed economic growth in Ashfield.
Gloria to vote for delay in fuel duty increase
12 November 2012
Later on this evening (12th November) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero is to vote for a delay in fuel duty increase at least until April in the House of Commons and give some much needed relief to millions of motorists.
The crippling 3p per litre rise is due to come in at the start of the year but Labour has put forward a Commons motion calling for a three-month freeze in the levy and the Ashfield MP will vote alongside colleagues to postpone the increase.
Gloria: Government's promise on the NHS counts for nothing
8 November 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has slammed the Government for cutting 550 frontline nurses in the East Midlands. The Government came into power promising to protect frontline NHS jobs but the evidence against that claim is stacking up, not just in the East Midlands but across the country.
Statistics released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre this week show that the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed by the NHS has fallen by 6,191 since Cameron became Prime Minister in May 2010.
Gloria launches school Christmas card competition
5 November 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has launched her annual school Christmas card competition and the local politician has invited every primary and infant school in the constituency to take part and help design her personal Christmas card this year.
Rather than using the standard parliamentary Christmas card, Gloria wants to showcase the talent of local school children in the area instead. On December 7th a panel of local judges will then decide the winning card and one lucky child will see their very own design printed on the front of Gloria’s Christmas cards.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
2 November 2012
The loss of nearly 150 jobs at local firm Beamlight Automotive is a devastating blow to the area - some have worked for the vehicle and train seating maker for nearly thirty years. To be told you have no job to go back to through no fault of your own must be incredibly hard but to be told you’ve still got to wait a couple of weeks until you receive last month’s wage is just wrong. After the company went into administration I wrote to bosses to say how concerned I was about the situation and I’m even more concerned now. Though Beamlight isn’t in my constituency I know a lot of my constituents worked there. If you’ve been affected and would like support please do get in touch with my office and I’ll do all I can to help.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria writes for the Chad
31 October 2012
In recent weeks I've been talking to people about why they hate politics and politicians. Thank you to those at Jacksdale Miners Welfare bingo night for giving me their views. I was struck by the comments about some politicians being out of touch and a feeling that too many politicians don't understand their lives. I'm a hundred per cent determined that I never become one of those out of touch politicians that people complain about. I think one of the biggest problems with politics is that it’s not open enough. I remember 32 year old Frank who I met that night saying he thought that people needed qualifications to become politicians. I think too many think going into politics is a career like the law or the media. I disagree - it’s a passion for standing up for people that matters and a desire to stand up for your community and your country - they are the only qualifications needed for the job. We need more people from normal backgrounds in politics - politics shouldn't be the preserve of a small elite club - having more secretaries and builders and posties and dinner ladies in there would absolutely transform the place for the better.
Anti-social behaviour top concern among Sutton residents
29 October 2012
Last Saturday (27th October) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero hosted her final coffee morning of the year for Sutton residents) at The New Cross Community Hall. A new round of residents’ surveys was also rolled out to coincide with the event and once again the information provided some extremely useful information which the MP has now promised to act on.
Anti-social behaviour and problems caused by traffic were once again right at the top of the agenda and the results from the completed surveys revealed residents wanted to see action taken as soon as possible to try and tackle some of the recurring problems.
Gloria takes up fight against breast cancer
26 October 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero is backing the fight against breast cancer by taking part in the Breast Cancer Campaign’s award winning fundraiser ‘wear it pink’ day and she now wants constituents to join her.
Now in its 10th year, ‘wear it pink’ on Friday 26th October will see supporters from all over the country in schools, colleges and businesses embracing the event’s the event’s new theme – superheroes. The theme stems from the charity’s belief that everybody who joins the fight from people affected by breast cancer, to Breast Cancer Campaign scientists and all ‘wear it pink participants – is a superhero.
Gloria lends helping hand at chairty auction
23 October 2012
Last weekend Gloria De Piero turned auctioneer and lent a helping hand at a local charity auction which had been organised by the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau in an attempt to raise some much needed funds.
Gloria had been asked to be the guest auctioneer at the special event by Sue Bagshaw, manager of Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and the local MP did her best to start a bidding war as she helped auction off several prized items including paintings and pottery at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church Hall in Eastwood.
Ashfield MP backs campaign to end loneliness
22 October 2012
Gloria De Piero has given her support to Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Age UK’s campaign to ‘End Loneliness’. The campaign has been set up to ensure that as many people as possible in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are doing all they can to tackle the factors that cause loneliness.
Gloria said: “I wholeheartedly support the campaign to end loneliness. Through small acts of kindness we can make a difference and alleviate loneliness in older people’s lives. My mum and dad are getting on now and I make sure I ring them at least once a week. It doesn't take much to check on our neighbours and loved ones”.
MP interviewed by local school girl
20 October 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was put through her paces when she was interviewed by local school girl Sophie Gregson who is part of a year six team who run the school newspaper at Greenwood Primary School.
Sophie who is ten years old, arranged to interview the Labour MP at the end of Gloria’s most recent coffee morning which took place at the Homesteads in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on Saturday. The budding reporter had come well prepared and had a number of tough questions she was ready to ask Gloria.
Gloria writes for the Chad
18 October 2012
Recent events at King’s Mill hospital suggest there's been a catastrophic failure of governance and current investigations must be full and thorough. New hospital bosses need to find a solution to fears over the long term financial future of the hospital and they need to ensure checks are in place to avoid a repeat of the blunders with breast cancer treatment. We need stability, ambition - we need the best management the NHS has to offer. One lady who has been affected came to see me last week. She and her husband are understandably worried and angry but they want answers too. They want to know why these errors took so long to come to light, and why when they did, it took so long for women like her to be contacted. I’ve written to the new chief executive who started on Monday to find out.
If any other women who have been affected would like to talk to me in confidence and ask me to raise any points about their own care with the hospital I'd be very happy to do so. I’ll be meeting the new chief executive and chairman very soon so please call my office on 01623 720399 or email me at gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk if you'd like to pass on any information.
I was encouraged when new King’s Mill chairman, Chris Mellor said last week, 'it is my absolute priority to take swift action to bring about improvements in the Trust’s performance’. Together we'll keep him to his word.
MP opens new community shop in Stanton Hill
15 October 2012
On Saturday 13th October Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was at the Ashfield Community Sign Post in Stanton-Hill with local Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Paddy Tipping to officially open the brand new community shop.
The local MP completed the formalities and declared the shop officially open with Mr Tipping by cutting a ribbon across the doorway. Gloria had been asked to do the honours by local volunteers who after weeks of hard work thought it would be a fitting way to declare the shop officially up and running.
Gloria donates tins and bulbs during visit to Brinsley Primary School
12 October 2012
On Friday local MP Gloria De Piero paid a visit to Brinsley Primary School to donate a number of items including tins of food for the school Harvest Festival as well as garden bulbs which will be used in a special community project the school are working towards entering.
Speaking just afterwards Gloria said: “All of the staff and all of the kids at the school are carrying out some great work in the local community. It’s brilliant to see so many enthusiastic people who are determined to make a real difference on their own door-step and they are certainly doing Brinsley proud. It was lovely to meet everyone and I couldn’t help but come away feeling very impressed. Keep up the good work guys and I look forward to hearing more about your projects in the future”.
Gloria urges folk to nominate local businesses for the 'Rural Oscars'
8 October 2012
The eighth annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination and Gloria is urging the local community to get nominating local businesses.
The Countryside Alliance Awards nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’ were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills and forward thinking enterprises can flourish.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
5 October 2012
We received some furniture vouchers from friends as wedding gifts so we decided to get rid of some old furniture. Rather than put it on e-bay or throw it in the skip we called our friend Sue Bagshaw who runs the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and asked if this was the kind of thing they needed. Absolutely! She said. We phoned on the Friday and a few days later a van with some men arrived to take the furniture away in no time at all. I know that the Bureau will make sure that the furniture goes to a family that needs it. Unfortunately Sue told me they never enough stuff so if u r having a clean out instead of getting a fiver for an old chest of drawers why not call the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau on 01773 535255 and do a good deed. It will be the most satisfying clear out you have!
Gloria writes for the Chad
3 October 2012
We often here about young people being louts or trouble makers - I say that's a massive generalisation. I recently paid a visit to Quarrydale School and met some brilliant young women. Since that visit one girl, Lauren Noble has got in touch with me to tell me about a 13,000 ft tandem skydive she is doing the day after her 18th birthday on October 13th. It’s in memory of her friend’s mum who sadly passed away from cancer this year and Lauren would like to raise as much money for Nottingham Universities Cancer Charity. Let's support her! If you’d like to donate to a great cause then visit www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Noble . Good luck and stay safe Lauren you are truly an inspiration!
Local business leaders call on young people to get into manufacturing
1 October 2012
On Friday 28th September Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was invited to meet with local business leaders and representatives to discuss plans for the economic development of the constituency.
The issues at the top of the agenda were the willingness of banks to lend to small businesses and the skill shortage amongst young recruits - especially those in the engineering sector locally.
One other issue which members were eager to highlight as a real cause for concern was the difficulty local businesses have had securing funding from the Regional Growth Fund. The £2.4 billion fund has been operating across England since 2011 and is meant to support businesses and projects with significant potential for economic growth that can create additional and sustainable jobs in the private sector.
Gloria: Priority should be keeping people safe on the streets
25 September 2012
Labour's Gloria De Piero has slammed Liberal Dermocrat Crime Minister Jeremy Browne for slapping more red tape on CCTV.
Local authorities and police forces will be forced to prove they are using cameras "proportionately" under a new code of practice that is set to be introduced.
The move was quitely slipped out in a Statement in Parliament by Mr Browne last week on the new Protection of Freedoms Act which will alow people t challenge the use of CCTV in public areas.
Shadow Home Office Minister Gloria De Piero said that mr Browne's priority should be keeping people safe on the streets. Gloria added:"It says a lot that mr Browne's first priority in his new job is to regulate CCTV".
Traffic and anti-social behaviour at the top of the agenda following Gloria's survey
24 September 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero hosted the fourth of this year’s regular coffee mornings for Ashfield constituents at Huthwaite Leisure Centre last Saturday (22nd September). The latest coffee morning differed from previous events as Gloria launched a brand new questionnaire to coincide with the event.
The local MP is always looking for new ways for voters to tell her what they want her to focus on and now constituents have returned their surveys Gloria has a picture of just how satisfied residents are with their community.
Gloria writes for the Chad
20 September 2012
Over the last two months many of us have been captivated by the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The politicians have been talking about what the games mean will mean in the long term by way of a sporting legacy. Here in Ashfield we’ve got our very own sporting heroes in Sam and Ollie Hynd. After their amazing success these two lads are going to inspire a whole generation of future Ashfield Olympians. That is a sporting legacy they should be proud of!
Staying with sport I was delighted when Martyn Goodfellow from Underwood Villa FC got in touch and told me that the club had been successful in securing funding towards its changing room pavilion project from Sport England. I was more than happy to write a letter of support - it’s another example of what your MP can do for you.
Gloria asks Government Minister to look into Sutton man's case
19 September 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan-Smith and asked him to personally look into the tribunal case of a Sutton man with a number of major health issues.
The local man is unable to claim Disability living Allowance - despite winning his case at a tribunal. He was undergone surgery for bowel cancer and has suffered a heart attack but has been unable to claim after being told by the Disability and Carers Service was to appeal the judges unaminous decision.
Gloria said: "This is a man who has worked all his life and never claimed a penny. I have now asked the Government Minister to personally look into it. I have read the appeal judgement and it says he is open and honest and his condition is unlikely to imrpove. This looks like an open and shut case so why is the Government wasting taxpayers' cash appealing again. he has been through enough and I won't give up until justice is done".
Gloria to launch constituents surveys at next round of coffee mornings
18 September 2012
Local MP Gloria De Piero will host the fourth of this year’s regular coffee mornings for Ashfield constituents this Saturday (22nd September). The latest coffee morning will differ from previous coffee mornings as the MP has launched a brand new questionnaire to coincide with the event.
Gloria said: “I know not everyone can get to my coffee mornings but I still want to know what people think about the area and what they want me to focus on locally so all future coffee morning areas will get a questionnaire”.
Every Huthwaite resident will have received an invite and survey through the letter box to this Saturday’s (22nd September) event and it will take place at 10:30am-11:30am at Huthwaite Leisure Centre. For residents that can’t make the coffee morning but still want to return a completed questionnaire, a special ballot box has been installed at the entrance of the leisure centre. This is available to use up until 11:30am on Saturday (22nd September).
Gloria backs campaign on free heating help for those who can least afford their bills
17 September 2012
Local MP Gloria De Piero is backing an awareness push from Consumer Focus, Citizens Advice, Age UK and National Children’s Bureau on help getting free heating for low income households from Warm Front, a government-led scheme. Gloria is urging those in Ashfield worried about paying their energy bills this winter to find out if they are eligible for free heating and insulation from Warm Front.
Gloria said: “I know that the costs of energy bills are a big worry of many people in Ashfield, and the households with the lowest income are hit the hardest. I am concerned that people are planning on such drastic measures to keeps costs low, especially after the snow we’ve experienced over last few years. I urge anyone who is worried about affording their energy bills this winter to contact their local Age UK or Citizens Advice to find out if they are eligible to claim”.
Local girl Daisy to write to the Secretary of State for Education
13 September 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero was put through her paces by an all-female panel of students during a Q&A session at Sutton’s Quarrydale School. The 16 and 17 year olds grilled their MP on a range of subjects that varied from politics to loaw and order to Hillsborough.
But the one question that the MP said really caught her attention was from Daisy Roberts, who asked if there was anything she could do to help improve the facilities at the school. Gloria told her she would take the matter up with the Secretary of State for Education and encouraged her to write a letter which she could then pass directly to Michael Gove.
Gloria dresses up and joins in the fun at D.H. Lawrence Festival
11 September 2012
Last Friday Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero was at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum dressed in traditional Victorian clothing as part of a special taster tour and open day event to celebrate the first week of the D.H. Lawrence Festival.
It was the ‘Heritage Open Days’ event and there was free admission to both the D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre and the Birthplace Museum with tours taking place throughout the day. The tours included a Victorian wash day session and the local MP helped wash and peg out clothes dressed in a traditional period apron.
Gloria: Brilliant news that town bus service returns
10 September 2012
A bus service that was given the axe in Eastwood has been reinstated after passengers repeatedly complained to the company and asked their local MP for help.
After the 103 service was stopped passengers were forced to take longer journeys and walk further to other bust stops. Eastwood MP Goria De Piero then decided to write to the company who manages the service. Following her letter Gloria was told the bus service was going to be reinstated.
After receiving the news Gloria said: "It’s great news that the company have now listened to what the public and myself have said and reinstated this important local service. If anyone else has had a similar problem with any other local services then please do get in touch on 01623 720 399 or Gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk and I’ll do all I can to help”.
MP concerned over ambulance response times
8 September 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero remains concerned the closure of the Eastwood Ambulance Station could mean slower response times, despite a deployment zone being based in the town.
Having received confirmation that the town will keep a 'tactical deployment point' the Eastwood MP has written to East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) asking for confirmation that the length of time residents wait for an ambulance will not increase.
Gloria said: “I’ve written to the chief executive to ask him exactly how the closure of the station will improve their performance as he claims, and to get a guarantee that under no circumstances will this rise.
Gloria's annual expenses
6 September 2012
MPs' annual expense claims have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Gloria writes for the Chad
5 September 2012
The last time I wrote my column was just before my wedding and I’m very happy to say that everything went well on the day! It’s been a hectic summer and I’m sure a lot of folk were gripped by the Olympics and now there’s the Paralympics too. There seems to have been a real togetherness created by the Olympic spirit and it made me proud to be British.
Ashfield’s own Paralympic heroes, Ollie and Sam Hynd have been chosen to represent Britain in the games and they have both done brilliantly so far, bringing home silver and bronze respectively in the S8 400m freestyle swimming event and that might not be the end of their medal haul either! Congratulations lads you are both true Ashfield champions and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say the whole of Ashfield has been right behind you.
Gloria presents award to the UK's best furniture company
3 September 2012
Last Friday Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero paid a visit to Kirkby based furniture wholesaler; Julian Bowen Ltd to present a special award to the firm after it was recently voted the “Best UK Furniture Wholesaler”.
Speaking afterwards Gloria said: “I was delighted to be invited to present the award. In these difficult times it’s great when you hear a local success story and it was really good to find out how a local firm has managed to rise above the doom and gloom of the current economic climate. It was obvious what the award meant to all of the team there and I hope they enjoy their success – from what I saw they definitely deserve it and I’m sure it won’t be the last award either”.
Eastwood could get brand new health clinic
1 September 2012
A new purpose built health clinic could replace the threatened building in Nottingham Road according to a letter sent to Eastwood MP Gloria De Piero this week.
Gloria has welcomed the news but warned the PCT should would be keeping a close eye on developments. she said: "It's of the upmost importance that if building work goes ahead and the clinic has to close then exactly the same services remain available in any temporary accommodation at the site".
"After seeking assurances, the initial indication from bosses is that they will and I'll be watching very carefully to make sure that they stick to their word. If any residents remain concerned then please don't hesitate to contact me on 01623 720 399 or gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk
Gloria: Police have been left in limbo following ASBO announcement
26 August 2012
Official House of Commons Library figures have revealed that the total number of anti-social behaviour orders issued has hit a ten year low and they are set to drop by up to a fifth this year - making a 60 per cent drop in five years.
Two year's ago the Home Secretary Theresa May announced that the Government were scrapping ASBOs and that they would be phased out.
Labour's Shadow Home Affairs Minister Gloria De Piero said "This has left police officers in limbo. Many forces are now unsure about what tools they have to tackle loutish behaviour".
Gloria: East Midlands Ambulance plans are a huge blow
28 July 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero has written to the chief executive of East Midlands Ambulance Service demanding answers and branding the decision to close ambulance stations across the region a ‘huge blow’ to local residents.
The proposals will see every station in Nottinghamshire close - including Eastwood - with the exception of two. Following the announcement the local MP has asked for reassurances that residents will not have to wait any longer for an ambulance, and asked how many miles paramedics will have to travel to get to an emergency in Eastwood.
Gloria writes for the Chad
25 July 2012
Last week I met with one of our local health bosses and there was one thing that was at the top of my agenda…..the loss of the walk-in-centre. It's an issue that I’ve banged on about for over a year now and I still refuse to give up. I made this point crystal clear once again. I hope they now listen and act.
Sutton’s Quarrydale School achieved stunning improvements in its GCSE results. I went along to congratulate pupils and staff and learned about the fantastic campaign by year 7 students called Send My Friend to School. Thousands of students across the country have designed medals and posters to encourage world leaders to keep their promise and make sure that every child can go to school, no matter where they live. It’s such a worthy cause and if you happen to walk past my office in Kirkby you’ll see that I’m showing my support too with a huge window display designed by Quarrydale students.
Gloria calls for three more u-turns from the Government
20 July 2012
David Cameron and George Osborne promised change and they promised to secure the recovery, but their failed policies have delivered a double-dip recession made in Downing Street.
Families and businesses are paying the price for their mistakes with prices rising faster than wages, companies going bust and long-term unemployment rising. More people out of work claiming benefits rather than paying taxes means the Government is borrowing £150 billion more than they planned.
In recent weeks we have seen a number of high profile U-turns from the Tory-led Government. From the pasty and caravan taxes to the skip and charity taxes, we’re getting used to the Tory-led Government’s embarrassing about turns.
Gloria meets the leaders of tomorrow at Kirkby College
19 July 2012
Last week Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero attended a workshop at kirkby College to see the programme the school has been running as part of its Campus CMI pledge and also awarded certificates to students. It is hoped that the professional qualification will give the youngsters a head start in the workplace.
The college has been running the Campus Chartered Management Institute (CIM) programme over the past three years for sixth formers and last Friday, those who had successfully completed it received a certificate.
Gloria: Young people in Ashfield are crying out for jobs
17 July 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero MP has accused ministers of seeming happy to forget about places like Ashfield as new figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of 18 to 24 year olds in Ashfield who have been unemployed for more than twelve months has risen yet again – by 6.3 per cent in the last month and a massive 386% per cent in the last year.
Commenting on the latest unemployment statistics the local MP said: “It is pretty obvious that young people in Ashfield are crying out for action on jobs yet still ministers are refusing to bring in a plan for jobs and growth”.
Gloria's House of Commons Written Questions
16 July 2012
Last week Gloria asked the following House of Commons Written Questions;
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes were (a) reported to the police and (b) identified by the British Crime Survey in (i) Ashfield and (ii) Nottinghamshire (A) 1992 and (B) each year since 1992; and how many and what proportion of these crimes in each year resulted in a conviction.
To ask the secretary of State for the Home Department how many motorists have been caught speeding in a) Ashfield and b) Nottinghamshire in each of the last three years or for when figures are available.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
13 July 2012
I know many Eastwood residents will be anxious because of the recent speculation regarding the health clinic. Quite simply I don’t want to see our town lose a single service and I’ve written to the PCT to find out exactly what they have planned and how this might affect people because at the minute I’m afraid their answers just aren’t clear enough. It’s vital that the powers that be are transparent and that everyone is given the chance to have their say on any new proposals. In the meantime I will be keeping a very close eye on the situation. I've written to them asking some very specific questions and I expect some straight answers. If you have relied or currently rely on services provided at the clinic I’d love you to e-mail me at gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk
Gloria's expenses - January 2012 - February 2012
12 July 2012
MPs' expense claims processed in January 2012 - February 2012 have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Gloria writes for the Chad
11 July 2012
In Ashfield over the last year the number of people waiting in A&E for more than four hours has almost doubled, we’ve also lost our NHS walk-in-centre and there are plans to close our community hospital. A couple of days ago I challenged the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley as to why these things are happening but he could only tell me that he couldn’t remember all of the details and didn’t really answer my question directly. All of this makes me so angry - we've seen such deterioration in the quality of our health service and I think Ministers should at least do us the courtesy of telling us why they are letting it happen.
Gloria: Plans under way to regenerate Sutton
9 July 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero attended a breakfast club at Sutton Centre Community College last Friday (6th July). The event had been organised to discuss future plans for the town that link in with ideas that have already been created and discussed through the previous work on the Portas bid.
The local MP was joined by a number of local business leaders; including representatives from Asda, college governors and staff as well as representatives from organisations such as Ashfield District Council. As part of the college’s in-house enterprise initiative pupils from Sutton Centre Community College showcased their culinary skills by cooking and serving breakfast to almost thirty guests.
Gloria urges local people to apply for Speaker's Parliamentary Placement Scheme
6 July 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero MP has today backed the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placement Scheme and urged local people with an interest in politics to apply for the chance to work in Parliament.
The scheme aims to tackle the problem of unpaid internships in politics by creating a number of paid positions working with MPs in Parliament. Each successful applicant will get the opportunity to spend four days a week working in the Parliamentary office of an MP, with the fifth day being spent in a variety of roles across the House of Commons to develop an understanding of how Parliament works.
Ashfield MP visits former Nottinghamshire Business of the Year
4 July 2012
Last Friday Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero paid a visit to leading Huthwaite based business, Synseal, after being invited to the site by chief executive David Leng following yet another successful year for the firm.
Gloria was given a full tour of the site and had the chance to chat with staff and senior management. The MP was keen to hear from bosses how Synseal has remained so competitive despite the current economic climate and what more can be done by the Government to support local engineering firms in the region.
Gloria uncovers huge rise in A&E waiting times at local hospitals
28 June 2012
Figures obtained by Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero show that the number of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E at local hospitals, including the Queen’s Medical Centre and King's Mill has increased dramatically during last year.
The recently released statistics came to light after Gloria asked the House of Commons Library and the Secretary of State for Health how many patients waited longer than four hours in the accident and emergency wards of Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between April 2011 - March 2012 and April 2010 – March 2011.
Gloria writes for the Chad
27 June 2012
I’m so proud of the National Health Service it’s one of our greatest achievements but I also worry a lot about its future. Some of you have recently told me that health rationing is alive and kicking in Ashfield and that you’ve have been told you can now only be treated for one cataract. That’s why I was amazed when William Hague told the House of Commons that – “it’s totally unacceptable if trusts are rationing on the basis of financial considerations”. I want to show Ministers why they are living in cloud cuckoo land so if you’ve been told that you can't be treated on the NHS because cash is tight please get in touch with me and I promise I’ll take your case straight to the top.
Ashfield MP backs the Chad and King's Mill new MRI scanner campaign
26 June 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has pledged her support after the Chad teamed up with King's Mill Hospital as part of a major campaign to help the hospital purchase a new £750,000 state of the art MRI scanner.
Following the launch of the appeal Gloria has urged everyone in the local community to get behind the campaign and show their support.
The MP said: "I'm delighted to support a great local campaign like this and I'll help in any way that I can. it's important that patients get the best service and treatment available and if King's Mill get a new MRI scanner then it will be great news. It's a big target to reach but I know how well everyone in our community pulls together and it's a challnege I'm sure we can reach together".
Gloria's House of Commons Written Questions
25 June 2012
This week Gloria asked the following House of Commons Written Questions;
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of the pharmaceutical sector is to the economy in a) UK b) East Midlands c) Nottinghamshire d) Ashfield.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and skills how many people are employed in the pharmaceutical sector in a) UK b) East Midlands c) Nottinghamshire d) Ashfield.
Gloria - Worrying figures from HMIC on anti-social behaviour
22 June 2012
In response to Her to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary report into the responses provided by police forces to reports of anti-social behaviour and victim satisfaction, Labour's Shadow Home Office Minister said:
“These are exceptionally worrying figures. Anti-social behaviour is a blight on too many lives and needs to be treated with the seriousness it deserves. We back a strong and swift response to anti-social behaviour and that victims should get a response within 24 hours".
Gloria's House of Commons Written Questions
19 June 2012
Last week Gloria asked the following House of Commons Written Questions;
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of the illegal use of controlled substances in a) England b) East Midlands c) Nottinghamshire and d) Ashfield.
To ask the Attorney General how many residents of a) Ashfield b) Nottinghamshire and c) East Midlands were prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service for i) possession of ii) possession with intent to supply iii) supplying and iv) producing a) Class A drug b) Class B drug and c) Class C drug in each of the last five years or for when figures are available.
Ashfield MP's visit to leading Sutton firm
18 June 2012
Last Friday Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero paid a visit to successful Sutton based manufacturing firm Midland Aerospace.
Gloria heard how the dynamic company which attracts clients from around the world is not only continuing to thrive but actually looking to expand in the near future despite the current tough economic climate. The managing Director, Eamon Lyons, attributed much of its success to a highly skilled and knowledgeable work force which uses some of the best manufacturing systems available.
Gloria raises kirkby-in-Ashfield walk-in-centre closure during Prime Minister's Questions
16 June 2012
On Wednesday 13th June, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero raised her concerns over the closure of the Kirkby-in-Ashfield NHS Walk-in-Centre with David Cameron during Prime Minister’s Questions.
During the debate Gloria asked the Prime Minister why the popular NHS walk-in-centre had closed in her constituency of Ashfield and also why similar walk-in-centres are closing all over the country. Unfortunately the Prime Minister avoided answering the Ashfield MP’s question directly.
Gloria writes for the Advertiser
15 June 2012
Broxtowe Borough Council has now published its proposals for house building in Eastwood, Brinsley and the surrounding areas. I know how concerned many of you will be - that is why it is really important that if you feel strongly about them YOU must make your views known during the consultation process. It's up and running but only for a six week period and it will close on 23rd July. For my part I have already written to Broxtowe Borough Council to seek assurances that if the majority of residents oppose the Council’s proposals then they will listen to them and not just carry on regardless of residents concerns. Anyone who wants to raise their concerns can do so on the Council’s website www.broxtowe.gov.uk/corestrategy, at the Council offices in Eastwood or Eastwood Library.
Ashfield Scouts join Gloria in Parliament
14 June 2012
On Tuesday 12th June Ashfield Scouts Bradley Smith, Thomas Lambe, Ben Scothern and Scout Leader Alan Scothern met with local MP Gloria De Piero at a special reception hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group in the House of Commons.
Gloria writes for the Chad
13 June 2012
Judging by the pictures in the last Chad I think it’s safe to say that the Jubilee spirit was alive and well in Ashfield. I went to a brilliant event on Portland Square, Sutton, where school children sang one of my favourite songs, ‘Shine’ by Take That. I can confirm that the pupils from Sutton Centre and Priestsic Primary certainly gave Gary Barlow and the lads a run for their money. I loved all the stalls and I even had a go at decorating some biscuits. Three year old Kiya-Ann stood out from the crowds a mile with her lovely smile and painted face. It was great to meet you Kiya-Ann. Well done to all those involved in the organisation - it was our community at its best despite the weather!
Gloria urges would be film-makers in Ashfield & Eastwood to enter national film competition
11 June 2012
Local MP Gloria De Piero has called for local amateur film makers to enter ‘Film the House’, a national competition that celebrates up-and-coming amateur film producers, directors and script writers across the UK.
Film lovers of all ages are urged to get their creative juices flowing and submit their amateur films to ‘Film the House’. Gloria will then nominate her top film from the area for the national competition which aims to also raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property rights, film and the creative industries.
Ashfield MP spends afternoon with crew from East Midlands Ambulance Service
8 June 2012
On Friday 8th June Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero spent part of the afternoon with a crew from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and witnessed firsthand the fast paced environment that paramedics have to work in when emergency calls first come in.
Gloria was invited to spend time with a local crew based at Kings Mill Hospital by the Chair of East Midlands Ambulance Service, Jon Towler. The visit provided the local MP with the perfect opportunity to see paramedics at work and find out more about the high level of skill that is involved working for the emergency services.
Ashfield MP donates £100 cheque at Paralympic stars sutton fundraiser
6 June 2012
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero proudly donated £100 cheque to Paralympic swimming stars Ollie and Sam Hynd at a fundraising event held in Sutton last week.
On the night Gloria was also joined by a number of local businesses and well wishers who all turned out in force to show their support for the two local Paralympic heroes. Café Ilachi owner, Junior Choudhury, kindly agreed to host the event and he donated £250 cheque to the cause whilst a raffle which included a bottle of House of Commons whisky signed by Gloria helped bring the total amount raised on the night to a whopping £820.
Local MP launches countdown to town's Jubilee singing event
1st June 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero launched the countdown to Sutton’s Jubilee singing event as part of the town’s special Jubilee celebrations this afternoon on Portland Square.
To mark the momentous occasion there were Jubilee market stalls dressed in red, white and blue and lots of bunting and the stalls were manned by local schools and charities as a fund raising initiative.
Gloria writes for the Chad
31st May 2012
I’d like to start this week’s column by saying a big thank you to a very generous chap who answered a call for help in my Chad column a few weeks ago. The S.P.A.C.E Centre in Kirkby was in desperate need of new materials for their plumbing course so I was delighted when Mr Bradley from Stanton Hill got in touch to offer his assistance. He has kindly agreed to donate a porcelain sink as well as piping and a few other bits and pieces that will make a huge difference to the kids on the course. Thank you very much Mr Bradley – it’s good to know my Chad column works.
Gloria launches school manufacturing competition
29 May 2012
Local MP Gloria De Piero is proud to be launching the We Made It! competition here in Ashfield and Eastwood working with local schools and industry to help young people understand how exciting and rewarding a career in manufacturing could be.
The competition invites young people aged 13-16 to submit designs and ideas for a gadget, gizmo, toy or tool they'd like to see made. Any invention, no matter how creative, is welcome and as long as it's realistic enough to be made there's a chance it could be!
Gloria slams plans for making it easier to sack employees
25 May 2012
The Tories showed themselves to be the same old ‘nasty party’ this week after revealing plans to make it easier for employers to sack their staff.
The Government-commissioned Beecroft report proposes allowing firms to fire their staff at will – something that will cause alarm for employees already facing great uncertainty in the current jobs market and economic climate.
Gloria decorates office with cards and pictures from local school children
24 May 2012
On Thursday afternoon (24th May) Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero MP decorated her constituency office window with all the thank you cards and pictures she recently received in the post from local school children at All Saints C. of. E. Primary School in Huthwaite.
Gloria: Government are weakening the powers police have to tackle anti-social behaviour
21 May 2012
Labour's Shadow Home Office Minister has responded to the Government's proposed new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, she said: "The Government are weakening the powers police have to tackle antisocial behaviour. These measures are a weak rebrand, with a breach of the order not even resulting in a criminal record and the police having to fund these civil proceedings in the first place."
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
18 May 2012
Constituents are always my number one priority, and when you have a win for the people that you serve it makes the job so fulfilling. I was delighted to be able to help a lady who recently contacted me because a well known utility company was repeatedly sending bills to her in her late husband’s name. The lady told me she doubted they would ever respond to her and that nothing she did seemed to stop the letters. It gave me great pleasure to receive the response signed by the MD of the company saying the letters would stop. What is more, the MD wrote to the lady personally and sent flowers too. It just goes to show that writing to your MP can make a difference.
Gloria writes for the Chad
17 May 2012
Last week was the Queen’s Speech which the grandest event in the parliamentary calendar, full of pomp and ceremony. This is a speech written for the Queen by the Government and it outlines what the Governments priorities are. During one of the many debates that followed, I raised the issues raised by local business owners who came to see me in Parliament from Ashfield as part of the Chad's best in Business Award. The business owners told me that the VAT hike was hurting them and complained about the lack of bank lending to small businesses. That’s why I expressed my disappointment that they would take little comfort from the speech.
Gloria's expenses - December 2011 - January 2012
15 May 2012
MPs' expense claims processed in December 2011 - January 2012 have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Abbey Hill Primary School showcase community project to local MP
14 May 2012
Last Friday Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero visited Kirkby’s Abbey Hill Primary School to watch pupils proudly showcase a community project that they have been working on over the last couple of months.
The primary school is taking part in the Helping Hands Award Project which has been designed to encourage community cohesion and to teach the kids more about the community they live in. The initiative which is now in its fourth year is run in partnership with the local police and fire service and the key objective has always been to provide an opportunity for the kids to work together with elements of the wider community in order to achieve a healthier, happier and safer environment.
Traffic and house building on the agenda at MP's coffee morning
12 May 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero hosted the second of this year’s regular coffee mornings for Ashfield constituents at All Saints Church Hall in Annesley on Saturday 12th May. Following a lively discussion with residents at the coffee morning the Ashfield MP has now promised to follow up concerns that were raised regarding traffic congestion and house building in the village with the Highways Department at Nottinghamshire County Council and Ashfield District Council.
The on-going traffic pressure and fears over house building were hotly debated and brought up by a number of residents. The MP is now writing to Notts County Council and Ashfield District Council to find out what can be done to address residents’ concerns.
A week in the life of our MP
11 May 2012
While many people have some idea about what a Member of Parliament does, there is smo much more to the job than just sitting in the House of Commons for debates or turning up at community at a community event for a cup of tea.
Ashfield Chad reporter Helen Beighton asked Gloria to give readers an insight into a typical week in the life of a modern MP. Here is what Gloria revealed....
Gloria De Piero grilled by Sutton Centre pupils
9 May 2012
Young people from Sutton Centre Community College were given the chance to quiz Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero on a variety of topics last week.
The Question Time-style event was hosted by Takeover Radio 106.9, which normally broadcasts from Sutton Centre, and took place at Barista coffee shop on the town’s Outram Street last Wednesday.
During the show, presented by station manager James Finlayson, students asked Miss De Piero a number of questions about the issues that concerned them.
Ashfield MP questions closure of walk-in centre
7 May 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has now written to the secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley to voice her concerns over whether officials were misled in their decision to close Kirkby's walk-in-centre.
Gloria said: "I've written to the Secretary of State for Health because I fear that we have all been misled by PCT bosses. It was my understanding that although the walk-in centre was to close in Kirkby - despite the widespread and strong vocal opposition - the people of Ashfield would still be able to access a walk-in service at Kings Mill".
Gloria: Reforming childcare can boost our economy and help working mums
4 May 2012
Amid all the talk of Rupert and James Murdoch this week, it is easy to forget the news story that will most impact on the lives of people in Ashfield and Eastwood that the UK is officially back in recession.
Labour has consistently warned David Cameron and his Chancellor George Osborne that their cuts go too far, too fast and will lead us into a double-dip recession. But instead of focusing on a plan for jobs and growth, our economy has actually shrunk and women have been amongst those hardest hit by the Tories’ economic policies.
Gloria writes for the Chad
2 May 2012
Last week I had a visit from a chap who works at the S.P.A.C.E Centre in Kirkby. They recognise that not all young people want to be doctors or teachers and that many are more suited to vocational courses and so are looking to improve their plumbing training. S.P.A.C.E is looking for help from local people or businesses. DO YOU have a disused sink, work-top or any piping which could help with the practical side of the course? If so James Allbright at communityspace@hotmail.co.uk would love to hear from you. I’ll happily give you anyone who helps James and the team a special mention in my next column.
Gloria unveils plaque to mark the official opening of new school building
30 April 2012
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero was invited by the staff and governors at All Saints C.of.E Infant School in Huthwaite to attend a Dedication Service to mark the official opening of a new £250,000 building at the local school.
The Bishop of Sherwood, Tony Porter, was there to lead a short Dedication Service which saw all of the children at the school play an active role in the service too by performing a special song and dance routine.
Ashfield MP and local councillors take part in Community Engagement Session
27 April 2012
Today (Friday 27th April) Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero took part in a Community Engagement Session on the Carsic estate alongside local councillors, a Sutton based police officer and representatives from Ashfield District Council and Ashfield Homes.
Gloria had been invited by local councillors to join in and show her support for this fantastic new councillor led initiative. The walk-about began at 12.00 noon at Percival Crescent before going on to Davies Avenue and the Northfield Crescent area of the estate.
Gloria hails importance of local papers in Commons debate
25 April 2012
On Wednesday 25th April in a House of Commons debate on the future of local newspapers, local MP, Gloria De Piero spoke out in defence of local newspapers and praised the important role that they play in local communities.
Gloria invites Kirkby residents for a brew
24 April 2012
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero, will host the first of this year’s regular coffee mornings for Ashfield constituents. By the time of the next election every Ashfield resident will have received an invite to one of Gloria’s coffee mornings.
A number of residents from Kirkby will have received an invite through the letter box to this Saturdays (April 28th) event. The event will take place at 10am-11:30am at St Thomas’ Church Hall.
MP visits groups working with young people to prevent anti-social behaviour
23 April 2012
Shadow Home Office Minister, Gloria De Piero, visited Osmaston in Derby on Friday 20th April to see how communities are working with youngsters to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The Labour MP went to the Osmaston Community Association of Residents' offices in Addison Road where she heard how the community had come together to strengthen the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, engage with youngsters and come up with plans to regenerate their area.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
20 April 2012
It was a packed House of Commons as usual on Budget Day. Sometimes the facts and figures used in parliament seem a world away from what's happening here. The fact is though that the decisions taken by the Chancellor will directly affect me and you. If you have any personal stories of the consequences for you or your family feel free to drop me an email to gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk or a note to my office 8 Station Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts, NG17 7AR. Let me know if you've been affected by the reductions in tax credits or the so called 'granny tax' and I promise to raise it in the Commons or write to the relevant Government minister.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria raises concerns over the bus service provision for school children in Ashfield
17 April 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero today (Tuesday 17th April 2012) raised the issue of bus service provision for school children in Ashfield in the House of Commons. She specifically raised the case of those parents in Sutton in Ashfield who last year lost the 7.55am service from Sutton-in-Ashfield to their school in Tibshelf.
The withdrawal of this service has affected up to fifty children and the bus company involved, TM Travel, had said that without a subsidy they were unable to continue with the 7.55am service.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria to take health centre row to Andrew Lansley
16 April 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has vowed to write to the Health Secretary as the row over the closure of the NHS walk-in centre in Kirkby continues to rumble on.
Members of Nottinghamshire County Council’s social care and health standing committee met on Monday morning to discuss the impact of the closure of the centre, which was at Ashfield Health Village and treated patients for minor ailments without the need for an appointment
Gloria writes for the Chad
4 April 2012
It was a packed House of Commons as usual on Budget Day. Sometimes the facts and figures used in parliament seem a world away from what's happening here. The fact is though that the decisions taken by the Chancellor will directly affect me and you. If you have any personal stories of the consequences for you or your family feel free to drop me an email to gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk or a note to my office - 8 Station Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, NG17 7AR. Let me know if you've been affected by the reductions in tax credits or the so called 'granny tax' and I promise to raise it in the Commons or write to the relevant Government minister.
READ THE FULL STORY
Ready steady go - Ashfield MP starts mini Sport Relief Race
28 March 2012
Last week local MP Gloria De Piero was at the Ashwood Centre in Kirkby to show her support for Sport Relief.
On the morning of the charity day,Gloria visited the under 5’s Seesaw group as they competed in a series of mini races to keep to the theme of the sports mile. The highlight of the day was the race which had been designed to mimic the Grand National and saw children race against each other while on hobby horses. The MP was on hand to count down to the start of race before declaring ready steady go!
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria writes for the Chad
21 March 2012
I had the most fantastic day the other week at the Creative Careers Day at Selston Arts & Community College. Over 180 students from the area were able to get advice from thirteen people who have all made it in their respective industries. Some of the famous faces who kindly agreed to take part included; Kate Garraway, Clare Nasir and Billy Ivory. It took ages to organise but you get out of this job what you put in and it meant so much when Hannah Crock and Luke Vincent from Selston came up to me as I was leaving and told me how much it meant to them. They are both budding actors and I hope they fulfil their dreams. If the event inspired just a few of the young people there that day then it was a resounding success.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria joins staff to promote packed programme at D.H Lawrence Heritage Centre
20 March 2012
On Friday 16th March, Labour MP Gloria De Piero joined staff to promote a brand new packed programme of events scheduled to take place over next couple of months at the D.H Lawrence Heritage Centre.
At the local tourist attraction, Gloria donned a pirate hat to promote the pirates and princesses fun day which will take place in August. At the same time the manager of the centre, Clare Purdy was dressed in a 101 Dalmatian costume while colleague Sally was dressed as a witch to promote their future Halloween event.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria helps pick best photographs for This is Ashfield
18 March 2012
Gloria was one of three people who made up the Chad's expert panel of judges for their 'This is Ashfield' photography competition. Over the past month, students from Vision West Notts have been going out and about taking pictures of all the things in Ashfield which evoke a sense of pride - and the Chad have been publishing the best entries in the Ashfield Chad.
The judges picked nine of the best images sent by the students and they will be displayed at Ashfield District Council’s offices in Kirkby, so the public can view them.
MP consults with Carsic Tenants' and Residents Association
16 March 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero joined members of the Carsic Tenants' and Residents' Association at a meeting on Thursday 15th March to discuss anti-social behaviour on the Sutton estate.
Gloria said she 'met some great people with some great ideas who love their community'.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria raises concerns over the cost of Council logo change
12 March 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero today raised Nottinghamshire County Council’s recent decision to spend nearly £80,000 on a new corporate logo during questions to the Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles in the House of Commons.
READ THE FULL STORY
Local MP says Ashfield's got talent
10 March 2012
On Friday 9th March at Selston Arts and Community College 15-17 year olds from across the constituency who have always dreamt of careers in the creative industries were able to get advice from those who have made it in their respective fields. The event had been organised by local MP Gloria De Piero who has seen at first hand the ambitions of local students.
Gloria said "We approached every secondary school in the area and asked them to send any school leavers who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the creative industries. I am pleased to say that every school took part. I organised the event because I was really struck by the comments of some young people who told me that they wanted to get into music or TV or be an artist or writer but each one told me that there was no-one to ask about how to get jobs like these. I promised them there and then that I'd do my best to get people from these industries to our area and I'm thrilled that we've pulled it off”.
Gloria: The Government must get to grips with metal theft
9 March 2012
Figures revealed by Gloria following a written question tabled in the House of Commons show that churches suffered total losses of £10million from metal theft last year, leaving many badly out of pocket.
The Home Secretary Theresa May has said the Government will increase fines and stop cash payments at scrapyards, however Gloria said: "Government proposals to increase fines and stop cash payments at scrap yards are welcome, but they are not enough to help police crack down on this damaging crime blighting commuters, churches and communities across the country.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria opens the UK's leading brain injury charity shop in Eastwood
8 March 2012
On March 2nd Labour MP Gloria De Piero officially opened a new charity shop run by Headway; the Nottingham based national charity that works to improve life after brain injury. The new shop, on Nottingham Road replaces the existing Headway shop in the town and it is hoped that the move will attract even more support from the local community.
Gloria appeals for help raising cash for local animal sanctuary
8 March 2012
Last Friday Gloria paid a visit to a local animal sanctuary that need help raising funds to finish converting their garage into an onsite animal hospital. The Brinsley Animal Sanctuary is appealing to local businesses and individuals who would like to help out with any donations or supplies for the new hospital.
John Beresford and Bethan Hewis have been providing shelter to unwanted animals and pets in the area for over four years and last year (2011) saw the sanctuary take on a record amount of unwanted animals. During 2011the couple took in 859 animals – 131 pets, 488 farm animals and 240 wild animals.
Gloria writes for the Chad
7 March 2012
It’s been quite a week. My boyfriend, James and I were having a cosy dinner at the Red Lion in Bagthorpe. There was nothing particularly unusual about the evening – I was a bit tired but happy to be en enjoy a nice meal in a cosy environment but it ended up being a rather unusual evening. As I suggested calling a taxi home, my boyfriend James produced a beautiful ring and asked me to marry him. For once in my life I was speechless. I guess it was clear I was going to accept as I put the ring straight on my finger. I turned to the diners next to me - Julie and Pete Musgrove and Jenny and Tony Evanson and asked them to join us in a drop of bubbly to celebrate. Thanks to them for plucking up the courage to tell me that I was wearing the ring on the wrong hand! A special thanks to manageress Jess - thanks so much for making everything go so smoothly.
Gloria's expenses - October 2011 - November 2011
6 March 2012
MPs' expense claims processed in October 2011 - November 2011 have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Gloria marks ten years of the Samaritans in Kirkby
05 March 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero, joined fundraising volunteer Susan O'Shea, manager Paula Wright and trustee Martin Ames, from the Samaritans charity shop in Kirkby to celebrate their tenth anniversary.
This week, there willl be plenty on offer for customers, inlcuding free raffles and birthday buns and Gloria has urged people to pop into the shop and help support the charity at 28A kingsway.
Gloria calls for nominations for Rock the House
29 February 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero is inviting under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in Ashfield & Eastwood to write and nominate themselves in the second annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House. The competition aims to celebrate the very best of up-and-coming unsigned British artists and the live venues that support them.
Gloria said “There is a wealth of live music talent in my constituency and I would urge all musicians and live music venues to fill in an application and send it to me. The recognition and contacts entrants can get from taking part is priceless and it would be great to put Ashfield & Eastwood on the map for its artistic talent”.
Gloria writes for the Eastwood Advertiser
28 February 2012
It was great to welcome my friend and former GMTV colleague Penny Smith back to Eastwood. Penny was born in Eastwood but hasn't been back since the family left when she was 6 years old. She loved the DH Lawrence birthplace museum where Jackie Greaves and Caroline Melbourne showed us round and took some pictures of Penny. Penny also got snapped at a less conventional place – Ken Hand & Son butchers shop at Hilltop that afternoon when she was getting the ingredients for our tea. Paula and Phil who own the butchers - thank you! We made a fabulous meat and potato pie.
Sutton students quiz Gloria at Q&A session
24 February 2012
On Friday 24th February Labour MP Gloria De Piero visited Sutton Centre Community College where Local sixth formers were given the chance to grill their MP on a wide variety of subjects ranging from immigration, law and order, the economy and religion.
The event which had been organised by the college saw nearly twenty Sutton sixth formers quiz Gloria for a gruelling thirty minutes and the MP had no idea beforehand what questions she was going to be asked by the young panel.
Gloria writes for the Chad
22 February 2012
The other week I attended a debate in the House of Commons to call on the government to develop a strategy for former coal mining areas like our own. People in our towns do not want to rely on benefits, people want to work for a living but the jobs must be there and that means we need a growing economy. Yes we have some fantastic local firms in Ashfield but it is central government that has to provide the right conditions for economic growth.
Only last week official figures revealed that unemployment continues to rise in Ashfield with five people chasing every job vacancy. Young people are being hit particularly hard, with nearly thirty six per cent of all those claiming Job Seekers Allowance in our area being 18-24 year olds. The government must do more to help young people in our area get back into employment. Britain spends half the average of similar countries on getting people into work. They are letting far too many young people slip through the net.
Gloria surprises local Golden Wedding Anniversary couple
21 February 2012
Last Friday Gloria De Piero paid a surprise visit to Westwood couple John (80) and Pearl Booth (73) who were celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
To celebrate their remarkable anniversary, Mr & Mrs Booth held an open house event with friends and family and the local MP was asked to drop in by their daughter (Karen Kearns) and surprise the couple who have been married for 50 years.
Gloria visits Britain's biggest bread maker
20 February 2012
On Friday 17th February, Labour MP Gloria De Piero visited Warburtons, the UK's leading bakers, at their Mushroom Farm site in Eastwood.
The visit provided the MP with the perfect opportunity to find out why the local Warburtons site has become so successful as well as giving her the chance to listen ideas about what can be done to make Britain more business friendly.
Tax credits bombshell as 305 local families could lose nearly £4,00 a year
16 February 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero is urging the government to reconsider a little-noticed change to tax credit rules which means thousands of families will lose all of their working tax credits unless they can significantly increase their working hours.
Recently released parliamentary figures have revealed that 305 households and 615 children could be affected by the changes in Ashfield. The change means that couples with children earning less than around £17,700 will need to increase the number of hours they work from 16 hours per week to a minimum of 24 hours per week or they will lose all their working tax credit of £3,870 per year.
Gloria encourages student councils in Ashfield and Eastwood to enter award scheme
14 February 2012
Gloria De Piero has written to head teachers in Ashfield and Eastwood encouraging their school councils to submit an application to the Speaker’s School Council Awards.
The Speaker’s School Council Awards 2012 is a unique national award scheme which recognises the valuable contributions that school councils make to their classmates and to their communities. The scheme invites schools and colleges across the country to nominate their most innovative and exciting projects.
Gloria and Penny Smith visit the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum
10 February 2012
Last Thursday the television presenter, Penny Smith, returned to her home town of Eastwood and paid a visit to the DH Lawrence Birthplace musuem with local MP and good friend Gloria De Piero.
Gloria said "I'm so proud of the museum I always take my friends there, but Penny really wanted to go because she's originally from Eastwood and used to live in Greenhills Road".
Gloria writes for the Chad
8 February 2012
The other week I went to the new Morrisons in Kirkby. Its opening is a welcome addition to the town and it will give the local economy a much needed boost. It’s created almost three hundred jobs, most of which have been snapped up by local Ashfield residents. I met some of the new staff there and one lady, Wendy Harris, made a really big impression on me. She was so enthusiastic about her new job as a florist and for the future of Kirkby; she told me she even had a tear in her eye when the store opened. Wendy represents everything that is good about Kirkby. She’s warm, dedicated and totally committed to the regeneration of her town.
Gloria responds to the Home Secretary's speech on anti-social behaviour
1 February 2012
"This is a belated and weak announcement from the Home Secretary which shows how out of touch she is with the anti-social behaviour problems many communities face.
"After 2 years of doing nothing to tackle anti-social behaviour, the Home Secretary has to do better than a few pilots that won't start until the summer, and which seem to suggest that anti-social behaviour should not be taken seriously if only two or three people complain.
Gloria urges ministers to return empty homes to use
31 January 2012
After the Chad and the Ashfield district’s Citizens Advice Bureau revealed last week that the number of people who came to the council for help because they were homeless had risen to 298 people, Gloria De Piero MP has urged ministers to return empty homes to use.
Gloria calls for rethink after police numbers plummet
30 January 2012
Labour MP for Ashfield, Gloria De Piero has called on the Government to rethink its approach to policing after figures revealed that Police numbers have fallen to the lowest for a decade, including the loss of 195 officers in Nottinghamshire since March 2010.
The figures show that there are now 8,000 fewer officers on the streets nationally, at a time when personal crime, which includes theft and violence, has gone up by a startling 11 per cent – the biggest increase in a decade.
Gloria meets staff at new Morrisons
27 January 2012
On Friday 27th January, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero paid a visit to the new Morrisons superstore in Kirkby to meet the staff and be given a guided tour of the town’s store by Richard Taylor, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications.
The opening of the store is a welcome addition to the town and has given the economy a much needed boost. It has created almost three hundred jobs, many of which have been snapped up local Ashfield residents.
Gloria writes for the Chad
26 January 2012
I am pleased to hear that Ashfield District Council has now served an eviction notice to the travellers’ at Felley Mill Lane in Underwood. The council assures me that if they don’t move voluntarily they will be evicted. I have recently received a response from ministers at the Department for Communities and Local Government to the issues that were raised by the concerned residents of Underwood at the meeting on October 21st at Underwood Miners Welfare. Unfortunately, I am not sure that the minister really engages with the specific issues that were raised. But if you would like a copy of the letter please get in touch with my office on 01623 720 399 or gloria.depiero.mp@parliament.uk
Gloria receives response from minister over traveller site
25 January 2012
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero has now received a response from Bob Neil, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government after raising a number of issues with him following the arrival of travellers in Underwood.
Gloria visits Lynncroft Primary School
24 January 2012
Labour MP Gloria De Piero visited Lynncroft Primary school in Eastwood on Friday 20th January to award Key Stage Two pupil, Kai Fitzgerald a certificate for designing the best Christmas Card in her competition held just before the festive period.
Following the presentation, kids from Year one to Year six were then given the opportunity to tackle Gloria about a number of different topics ranging from politics, her favourite TV programme and favourite food.
Gloria's expenses - August 2011 - September 2011
19 January 2012
MPs' expense claims processed in August 2011 - September 2011 have been published by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Gloria asks for debate on King's Mill car park charges
16 January 2012
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has asked for a House of Commons debate on hospital charges.
The Labour MP posed the question during Business of the House Questions on Thursday 12th January following a decision last year by King's Mill hospital bosses to raise parking charges.
Gloria: "The Government's rhetoric on CCTV doesn't match reality"
15 January 2012
Yesterday, Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero revealed how David Cameron had gone back on a vow to fund more CCTV.
The PM had promised to make more money available to communities wanting to install the surveillance equipment.
However, Gloria said "It now transpires that this is not the case after all. Instead the message from this Government to communities on crime prevention is that you are on your own”.
Gloria keeps Post Office open
14 January 2012
The fate of the Post Office in Kirkby has been secured after Gloria helped find an alternative site.
There were fears that the town would be left without the vital service when work to improve roads into the new town centre Morrison's store required the current temporay Post Office to move.
Gloria warns PM not to waste opportunity to expand Labour's family intervention projects
16 December 2011
After David Cameron vowed to transform the lives of 120,000 problem families, Shadow Home Office minister Gloria De Piero warned of a gap between the "rhetoric and the reality" in light of the funding cuts.
She said: "This is important work but if David Cameron demands results from local authorities, whilst pulling the carpet from beneath them while reforms are being shelved, this could be a wasted opportunity to properly expand Labour's family intervention policies."
Gloria picks Kingsway School girl as Christmas card competition winner
14 December 2011
Last week, Gloria De Piero visited Kingsway Primary School to reveal the winner of her annual Christmas Card competition.
Gloria and a panel of judges chose Yaneek Allen, aged nine, as this year’s winner and Gloria went along to a specially organised assembly at the Kirkby school last Friday to surprise Yaneek in front of the rest of the pupils, staff and her proud family.
Gloria: "Theresa May should abondon her plans to scrap the ASBO"
10 December 2011
Following Government proposals to scrap the ASBO, Labour MP Gloria De Piero has urged the Government to "listen to crime fighters who want to keep the ASBO because they know it works well".
The Shadow Home Office minister went on to say: "Theresa May should now abandon her plans to scrap the ASBO which are part of a worrying trend. The Government is out of touch on crime".
Gloria to appear on BBC Radio 4's Any Questions
1 December 2011
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero will be appearing on BBC Radio 4's current affairs programme 'Any Questions' next week, on Friday 9th December.
The panel will include the Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond MP, Shadow Home Office Minister, Gloria De Piero MP, Former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Sir Charles Pollard and Mary Riddell, Daily Telegraph columnist.
The show goes out live at 8pm and is repeated the following Saturday at 1.15pm, followed by a 2pm phone-in, giving listeners the chance to join in the debate.
Gloria hits out at disabled hospital parking charges
24 November 2011
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero has condemned a recent decision to start charging blue-badge holders for parking at King's Mill Hospital and branded the decision to impose the charges as 'completely unfair'.
Gloria said "I was shocked when a terminally ill constituent contacted my office and brought to my attention that King's Mill have recently started charging disabled patients to use the hospital car park.
"Labour had pressed to scrap these unfair hospital charges while the government announced they were going to keep these charges. I am going directly to the minister about this and I have already told the trust in no uncertain terms that I find this completely unacceptable."
Gloria backs annual COPD with Eastwood Breathe Easy Group
21 November 2011
Labour MP, Gloria De Piero, visited Eastwood’s Breathe Easy group on Friday November 18th to lend her support to the annual COPD Day event to help improve awareness of the condition.
The campaign theme was based around raising awareness of COPD and encouraging people to have a simple breathing test if they experience short breath. Speaking just after the event, Gloria said “It was really good to meet with everyone involved with COPD and family members too. The group had a number of points they wanted me to raise with the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley. As soon as I receive a reply I will be in touch with the group again”.
Gloria criticises the Government's plans to scrap the ASBO
19 November 2011
Labour's Shadow Home Office minister, Gloria De Piero has criticised the Government's proposals to scrap the ASBO.
Gloria said "The Government is taking an irresponsible gamble. It is trying to sweep anti-social behaviour under the carpet even though it's the public's top crime concern".
"It should listen to those in charge of keeping communities safe and who want the ASBO to be saved".
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria urges the Government to take action on youth unemployment
17 November 2011
Yesterday, Gloria and Shadow Scretary of State for Work and Pensions Liam Byrne met with local youngsters to discuss the issue of youth unemployment at Connexions on Morley Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Before the meeting Gloria called on the government to take urgent action following the release of figures which show the number of young people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Ashfield has increased by 131% over the last six months.
READ THE FULL STORY
Gloria's annual school Christmas card competition
15 November 2011
Last week Gloria launched her annual school Christmas card competition and has invited all local primary and infant schools in Eastwood & Ashfield to take part and design her Christmas card this year.
Rather than using the standard parliamentary Christmas card, Gloria wanted to showcase the talent of local school children in the area instead. A panel of judges will then decide the winning card which will be used for all of Gloria’s Christmas cards.
Gloria launches Kirkby S.P.A.C.E Centre
14 November 2011
Ashfield MP, Gloria De Piero officially opened the North Ashfield S.P.A.C.E Centre (Schools Partnership Alternative Centre for Education) at Forest Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield last Friday.
Four secondary schools in the area, Ashfield School, Kirkby College, Quarrydale School and Sutton Centre Community College have formed a partnership and pooled resources to provide personalised education programmes based at the Centre for students from all four schools.
Gloria to visit Eastwood Volunteer Bureau
12 November 2011
Labour MP, Gloria De Piero, is to visit Eastwood Volunteer Bureau on Saturday, 12th November. The Bureau has organised an open day and Christmas Fair to promote the great work that the organisation carries out on behalf of the residents of Eastwood.
It is hoped that the event will raise the profile of the Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and raise much need funds to ensure that it can carry out the brilliant work in the future.
Gloria visits Eastwood school for 'Parliament Week'
4 November 2011
Gloria De Piero visited Springbank Primary School in Eastwood on Friday 4th November as part of ‘Parliament Week’ which was an exciting new initiative supported by the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
For centuries, parliamentary democracy has touched the lives of every person and community, every organisation and business throughout the country, and yet for many people, Parliament’s work, influence and history are unfamiliar.
Gloria writes for the Chad
2 November 2011
People often to say to me that they are not interested in politics but last week over 300 people attended a meeting at Underwood Miners welfare on a Friday tea time to raise their concerns following the arrival of travellers on a plot of land. This just goes to show that people are interested and passionate about issues they can relate to.
On the night issues were raised about national government planning policy and as soon as I hear back from ministers I shall let the Chad know.
Gloria raises decline in school milk uptake with Education Secretary
19 October 2011
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero raised the issue of a decline in school milk uptake in Ashfield with Education Secretary Michael Gove during Oral Education Questions in Parliament today.
Gloria had been approached by a number of parents and teaching staff in Ashfield who were unhappy with the way that parents had to register their children online to ensure that they received school milk each term. This method of registration has been in place since Cool Milk took over the responsibility of providing milk to schools in the constituency from Nottinghamshire County Council last year.
Gloria urges swift action over traveller site
17 October 2011
Labour MP Gloria De Piero has urged Ashfield District Council to act swiftly to resolve a major problem which has arisen in Underwood in the last few weeks after travellers moved on to a plot of land in the area.
The site is situated at the junction of the A608 and Felley Mill Lane (South) and is part of a local ‘triangle’ of farm land bounded by the A608, Felley Mill Lane (South) and Felley Mill Lane (North).
Gloria puts pressure on Camelot to reveal where lottery cash is spent
3 October 2011
Labour MP Gloria De Piero has criticised the National Lottery operator Camelot for refusing to release information showing how much of the money spent on lottery tickets in the UK is given back for good causes in different areas across the country.
Gloria demands action as youth unemployment rises
26 September 2011
Ashfield’s Labour MP Gloria De Piero has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, to demand urgent action is taken to reduce youth unemployment after recent figures revealed that Ashfield has seen a 24% increase of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) in the last year.
Gloria writes for the Chad
21 September 2011
It is not often that I am left open mouthed but I was genuinely shocked when I heard that the Government are planning to reduce by half the financial support available to victims of crime. Victims are the most important people in our criminal justice system but they are consistently being let down by this government. This news comes just after I asked the PM if he supported the closures of local police stations such as ours in Kirkby. It was a question that he appeared unable to answer directly instead saying it wasn’t up to the Government. I’m afraid that this just isn’t good enough.
Gloria backs wear it pink campaign to fund a cure for breast cancer
14 September 2011
Gloria De Piero MP for Ashfield is joining forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its biggest fundraising event, wear it pink day.
On Friday 28 October 2011 supporters in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country are encouraged to don an item of pink in support of Campaign and each donate £2 to fund innovative world-class breast cancer research.
Gloria raises the closure of local police stations with the PM
8 September 2011
Ashfield's Labour MP, Gloria De Piero, asked David Cameron at Prime Minister's Questions today if he supported the closure of local police stations after recent proposals revealed that Eastwood could lose its Front of Counter Service and Kirkby police station has been ear marked for closure.
Gloria's expenses: April 2011 -May 2011
8 September 2011
MPs' expense claims processed in April 2011 - May 2011 have been published today by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Gloria writes for the Chad
7 September 2011
I am furious that cuts which are too fast and too deep mean that our police station in Kirkby is under threat of closure. I have no quarrel with Nottinghamshire Police on this - they are being forced to choose between cutting more bobbies on the beat and closing local stations. Nottinghamshire is one of the biggest losers when it comes to cuts to police funding in the whole of the country. I know from talking to many of you that you want to see more of a police presence and that losing our police station is only going to damage confidence further.
Gloria meets Brinsley residents for a coffee
3 September 2011
Eastwood’s Labour MP Gloria De Piero held another monthly coffee morning on Saturday in Brinsley at the Parish Hall.
Speaking just after the event, Gloria said “I’m really happy that so many people accepted the invitation to come and join me for their local coffee morning. It really shows what a fantastic community spirit exists here and it was invaluable to hear what the people of Brinsley had to say’.
Gloria writes for the People
28 August 2011
In the wake of the riots, we've once again seen days of debate and acres of newsprint devoted to the criminals.
Why did they loot and burn? What sentences should they get? I'd like to see even half that time spent discussing our duties to the victims: the people who lost their loved ones, livelihoods or homes.
For them, life will never return to normal. Their fear will never go away.
Gloria criticises holiday pay cuts
14 August 2011
Gloria De Piero, Ashfield MP has this week written to Nottinghamshire County Council to seek an assurance that they are meeting their legal requirements (1.) to ensure that there is sufficient, affordable childcare in Ashfield
Recent research by the national childcare charity Daycare Trust has shown that 62% of local authorities in England have cut their budgets for childcare and play services since last year; and almost half are offering a decreased level of holiday childcare provision.
Gloria nominates Kirkby girl for Olympic Torch relay
13 August 2011
As the Countdown to London 2012 begins, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has nominated Kirkby school girl Chloe Morley, 15, to run with the Olympic Flame next year as part of a campaign organised by the Olympic Movement and Coca-Cola.
The Future Flames campaign aims to shine a light on the best of British youth and will celebrate young people who use their passions in areas such as sport and physical activity, music and dance to make Britain burn brighter. All nominations will be judged by an independent panel in September and those chosen will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to run with the Olympic Flame during the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Gloria hits out as rich areas get more NHS cash
12 August 2011
Labour MP Gloria De Piero has hit out after research revealed that Ashfield could lose out to wealthier regions under radical health spending reforms. The weighting for health inequalities in the PCT allocation formulae has been reduced from 15%, the value for the last two years to 10% for 2011/2012.
Nottinghamshire PCT is already facing a budget short fall next year and changes to NHS funding formulas will also see nearly a £4m reduction in funding to tackle entrenched health inequalities such as low life expectancy. By contrast wealthy parts of south-east England will gain considerably. For instance Surrey PCT will gain £61m while Hampshire PCT will get another £52m.
Gloria Writes to Home Secretary following police station closure plans
10 August 2011
Ashfield’s Labour MP Gloria De Piero has written to the Home Secretary Theresa May to seek clarity on the Government’s policy regarding local police stations after the recent announcement that a number of local stations are under threat.
A number of worried constituents have contacted Gloria and raised their concerns about planned changes that could see Kirkby-in-Ashfield police station close and relocate to the Ada Lovelace building at Ashfield District Council. This of course only adds to the concern after the recent news that nationally the police face cuts up to 34,000 people with as many as 297 police officers and 327 few police staff in Nottinghamshire.
Gloria speaks out after the collapse of holiday operator
5 August 2011
After the collapse of the holiday tour operator Holidays 4 U, Shadow Culture Minister, Gloria said that "families holidays musn't be the price paid for corporate failure.
Gloria condems savage cuts to local charities
4 August 2011
Eastwood’s Labour MP Gloria De Piero has hit out at the scale of the funding cuts facing charities in the area. It has been discovered that Broxtowe Women’s Project, Broxtowe Youth Homelessness, Voluntary Action Broxtowe and the Citizens Advice Bureaux are among the hardest hit charities
Research published this week revealed that more than 2,000 charities nationally are being forced to close services and sack staff as local authorities slash their funding and in some cases withdraw it completely.
Gloria presses Notts County Council on parking fines
3 August 2011
Ashfield’s Labour MP Gloria De Piero has written to the Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Council, Mick Burrows, after she discovered that the council may have incorrectly issued a number of parking tickets to her constituents and urged him to contact everyone who may be affected.
Gloria looked into the five limited waiting bays on Station Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield after receiving a complaint from an unhappy business owner and discovered that the legal order covering them indicated they should all be one hour limited waiting.
Gloria writes for the Chad
28 July 2011
Over the summer I am going to be asking for young men in Ashfield to do something special. I have joined other politicians in pledging to recruit at least ten men each between the ages of 18 to 30 to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. This brilliant charity saves the lives of people with blood cancer. Men aged 18-30 account for 80% of donations, but make up just 19% of the register. At the minute, Anthony Nolan can only find a matching donor for half the people who come to them in desperate need of a lifesaving transplant. So this summer they are aiming to recruit 10,000 more young men to register. Anyone interested in the chance to save someone’s life should go to http://mp.anthonynolan.org/ and enter the code C2QD.
Gloria writes for the Advertiser
15 July 2011
I am sure that you are all aware of the Eastwood Arts Festival that is taking place throughout July with Eastwood Collieries Male Voice Choir singing at the Finale concert on Saturday 30th July at St Mary’s Church. The festival is wonderful family event, with so much going on throughout the month and it is so good to see so many voluntary art groups and community organisations getting involved. If you haven’t been to an event yet I recommend you do.
When I heard about the free swimming scheme taking place throughout August which is going to available to all young people under the age of 16 and those people aged over 60 I couldn’t help but think what a fantastic idea it is. Cost can be a massive issue to a lot of families in the summer holidays so this scheme gives a lot of young people a chance to do something cost free, healthy and fun with all their friends.
Gloria writes for the Chad
13 July 2011
Last Monday I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful young people and Staff from Sutton Centre School. They were on a trip down to Parliament organised by Councillor Steve Carroll. Despite the fact that they had been up since the crack of dawn, pupils still asked me lots and lots of intelligent questions. Judging from those I met the future of Ashfield is in really good hands. I got really choked by the young lady who came up to me afterwards and said ‘you’re an inspiration’. If you are that young lady and you are reading this – your words meant a huge amount to me – thank you so much. And my offer to return to Sutton Centre whenever I’m invited is a genuine one.
The other day I met some great local cadets. There was Matt who joined the cadets at 13 until 18; he enjoyed it so much that he then spent 6 months as an adult instructor and now serves in the army. It wasn’t just lads though; there were lots of girls too! Stacey gave up ballet and tap dancing to join the cadets at 13 and is now an adult instructor at Kirkby cadets. If you are aged between 13-18, the army cadets is a great place to make friends boost your confidence and learn lots of different skills, not just military but life skills too.
Gloria writes for the Advertiser
May 2011
I've missed writing this column over the last couple weeks while the elections have been going on - the Advertiser take impartiality very seriously and asked me to take a short break during the election period. I find election time really exciting and I've met so many of you throughout this time. Now that your new public servants are elected, remember they all stood promising to work hard for you. It’s easy to get cynical about politicians and the job they do, so why not put them to the test before dismissing them - I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Gloria's expenses: Nov 10 - Dec 10
07 April 2011
MPs' expense claims processed in November and December 2010 have been published today by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Gloria raises cuts to street lighting in Parliament
04 April 2011
Gloria today raised the issue of cuts to street lighting in the House of Commons, during questions to the local government Secretary Eric Pickles.
Evidence from Home Office studies show that improved street lighting reduces crime. Gloria therefore asked Mr Pickles if he would join her in urging Notts County Council to reconsider their plans to cut street lighting across Ashfield.
Gloria's expenses: March 2011
01 April 2011
MPs' expense claims processed in March 2011 have been published today by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
4 in 5 councils plan to cut libraries
01 April 2011
A survey of local government finance chiefs has found that more than 4 in 5 councils are planning to cut the money the spend on libraries. The poll by the Local Government Association also showed that a quarter of town halls planned to give over control of libraries to community groups or other ownership.
Gloria said, "These services are under pressure purely because funding to local authorities from central government has been slashed."
Gloria writes for the Advertiser
25 March 2011
In these tough times it is always a big sigh of relief to welcome good news. Nottingham University's decision to invest in the DH Lawrence Heritage centre at Durban House is great news for everyone. Durban House gains a more certain future and access to the University’s world-famous Lawrence collection. Opening on Saturdays should bring in more visitors. And I’m delighted that the University will use Durban House to strengthen their links with local schools – hopefully boosting the number of talented local kids applying to study at the Uni.
Gloria slams decision to close Kirkby walk-in centre
24 March 2011
Speaking immediately after the decision was announced Gloria today expressed her anger at the decision by Nottinghamshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) to close the Kirkby walk-in centre at Ashfield Health Village.
"I am disappointed and angry that bureaucrats at the PCT have decided to take the walk in centre away from the people of Kirkby."
Gloria praises Ashfield School Reporters
24 March 2011
Students from Ashfield School took part in the BBC's "School Report" today which gives youngsters the chance to experience life as a journalist for the day.
Gloria, a former journalist, was full of praise for the budding reporters: "I was particularly impressed with how the students tackled a variety of issues – local and nation – from health and the problems youngsters face over body image, to education and EMA, civil liberties, health and the British Armed Forces."
"The Students of Ashfield have shown me that they are well on their way to becoming the broadcasters of tomorrow."
Gloria writes for the Chad
23 March 2011
There are various parliamentary groups in Westminster where MPs from all sides can join together in a common interest. This week I was reminded of the old saying “Where there’s muck there’s brass” when I joined the group for brass bands. The muck of the pits may have gone but brass bands still serve as a timely reminder of our industrial heritage. If it wasn’t for pit villages Britain wouldn’t have enjoyed its economic heyday. I’ve asked Kirkby Colliery Welfare Band – Ashfield’s last brass band but still going strong – to keep me updated with their news.
Gloria highlights loophole in DVD classification
18 March 2011
Gloria has called on the Government to close the loophole which allows children to buy sexually explicit or overtly violent DVD’s which have not been classified by the BBFC. Producers are taking advantage of the exemption meant for material that informs or educate to sell DVDs featuring violent sports and sexually suggestive music or exercise films.
A recent poll by the online parents' group Mumsnet showed widespread concern and misunderstanding about the "E" rating. Gloria called for the government to take action now to address the issue.
Gloria holds coffee morning in Underwood
12 March 2011
Gloria held another of her monthly coffee mornings today in Underwood.
Speaking after the event, Gloria said, “I’m delighted so many people accepted the invitation to come and join me for their local coffee morning. I met some lovely people today. Some of them just wanted to say hello and have a cuppa while others had particular matters they wanted to raise with me.”
Gloria writes for the Chad
09 March 2011
Many of you have been in touch to express your concerns at the transport cuts made by Nottinghamshire County Council. Bagthorpe Primary School have been told that the 420 school bus will stop running in July. This is especially worrying for parents who don’t drive or with children at different schools. They say that cutting the bus route will mean their children will be forced to walk around two miles to school each day along busy main roads.
Gloria meets school pupils in Westminster
04 March 2011
Following Ashfield School’s successful visit a couple last month, Gloria this week welcomed pupils from Kirkby Woodhouse and Dalestorth primary schools to Parliament.
The 8 – 10 year olds had the chance to quiz Gloria about life as their MP. Questions ranged from “How much do MPs get paid?” and “Do you get stressed out by the amount of work you have to do?” to questions about SATS, Afghanistan and unemployment.
Gloria responds to Government's Tourism Strategy
03 March 2011
Gloria has responded to the Government's Tourism Strategy, which was published today: "The long-delayed and much-hyped tourism strategy has little to offer the tourism industry and the VAT hike will make life even tougher for hotels and restaurants."
Referring to a section in the strategy headed "Making The Sector More Resilient In Bad Weather" Gloria said, "First George Osborne blamed the weather for the fall in economic growth, now it seems 'making the visitor economy more resilient to bad weather' is their big plan to boost tourism. It’s not the british weather that's putting a strain on the tourist industry, it’s this Government policies."
Gloria: "Cutts comes clean on cuts"
28 February 2011
Notts County Council leader Kay Cutts has responded to Ashfield Labour MP Gloria De Piero’s concerns about the closure of the Diamond Centre in Kirkby.
In the reply, Cllr Cutts declined to respond to the subject of the Diamond Centre, saying instead: “An example of the voluntary sector would be the Shop Mobility Scheme in West Bridgford where all the volunteers are unpaid”
Speaking out today, Gloria said, “The women that I met at the Diamond Centre have received valuable help and support to gain skills, return to work and get their lives back on track, which will save the taxpayer in the long run. I asked Cllr Cutts to heed the advice of the Government and to think again. I’m saddened by her dismissive approach. Her comments are out of touch and naive.”
Gloria writes for the Chad
23 February 2011
I'm one of a growing number of Ashfield residents to sign a petition against closing the walk-in centre in Kirkby. Walk-in centres work so well because they were “designed to be a convenient alternative to general practice. They offer easy access because patients can just ‘walk in’ and be seen without an appointment.” These are not my words but the words of the Medical Director of Nottinghamshire NHS. Health bosses say they will listen to local people so make sure you sign up if you want to keep it. You can pop in to my office at 8 Station Street to do so. I will make sure the petitions are presented to the powers that be.
Gloria welcomes students from Ashfield School to Parliament
11 February 2011
Gloria today met with students from Ashfield School. The 54 pupils from years 12 and 13 were in Westminster for a tour of Parliament.
Gloria spoke to the students about how Parliament works, and her role as their MP. Gloria explained to the students that as their representative, it is her job to speak up on the issues that matter to them, so she asked to hear more from the students about what they cared about.
Concern about the government’s decision to scrap Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was high on the students’ agenda.
Gloria's expenses: January - February
11 February 2011
MPs' expense claims processed in January and February 2011 have been published today by the Indpendent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Gloria warns of dangerous local council arts cuts
10 February 2011
Gloria today highlighted the threat to arts centres and theatres from local government funding cuts.
Speaking in a cultural question time event as part of the "State of the Arts" conference organised by the Arts Council with the Royal Society of the Arts, Gloria said that cuts to local government funding were "as important" for the arts sector as the cuts to the Arts Council.
Gloria joins library campaigners on national day of action
05 February 2011
Gloria joined campaigners in local libraries across Ashfield today, the national day of action to save our libraries.
Gloria's first stop was in Huthwaite, where local library users are protesting against the county council's plans to cut the opening hours from 19 hours to 9.5 hours a week. Later, Gloria joined protestors in Eastwood library, which is also having its hours cut.
Gloria's expenses: Sep 10 - Oct 10
03 February 2011
MPs' expense claims processed in September and October 2010 have been published today by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
Click here to access a full list of Gloria’s expenses to date.
Don't sell our forests, says Gloria
02 February 2011
Gloria has called on the Government to think again about controversial plans which could see local woodland sold off to the highest bidder.
Government proposals currently being discussed in Parliament will give Ministers the green light to sell off the public forestry estate in England. The Forestry Commission is responsible for over 1,400 woodlands in England.
Hundreds of violent offenders could vote, reveals Gloria
28 January 2011
Figures revealed by Gloria show that 1,780 criminals convicted of violent or sexual offences would be eligible to vote under government plans.
It is understood that the government plans to give the right to vote to prisoners serving sentences less than 12 months. Gloria has obtained details from the Ministry of Justice that show this would apply to 1,551 inmates convicted of violent offences and 229 convicted of sexual offences.