Broxtowe has certainly had a challenging few days and despite this I hope you’re loved ones are keeping safe and well.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement today that the UK-EU trade talks have concluded, the Prime Minister has my full support in his plan to get an Australia style deal in place by the end of the transition period. Whilst I share in the Prime Minister’s preference for a Canada type deal with the EU, their refusal to move negotiating position over key industries means that this is the best way to show that the UK is ready to trade freely with the rest of the world while still keen to get a long term trading arrangement in place with our European partners.
From Wednesday Nottinghamshire has been on Alert Level 2 (High). I know that this concerns us all in Broxtowe and I want to do all I can to help. For local alert levels please see:
https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/local-covid-alert-levels
Please be assured that I am working with both Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. I am in touch with other Nottingham based MPs, as well as Ministers, to ensure that the welfare of residents and the interests of local businesses are protected.
Yesterday I participated in a very informative meeting with Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) regarding the rise in cases. We discussed how the CCG is going to cope with a rise in cases. I am pleased that the CCG have a good plan to manage a rise in hospital admissions.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus including a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you should get tested as soon as possible. Providing there is local availability, you can book in for a test at a mobile testing unit, a drive-in or walk through site or for a home testing kit. You must book in for a test before attending any testing site by calling 119 or via the online government portal (www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test).
Mobile testing units are based at temporary locations to help increase access to coronavirus testing. On Sunday 18th, Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th October, a mobile unit will be located in Broxtowe. This location is drive-through only so you either need to drive or be driven to a site.
There are local testing sites at University of Nottingham University Park Campus, Jubilee Campus and Nottingham Trent University Clifton Campus. These are walk in sites for staff, students and the local community. You must book in for a test prior to attending.
There is a fixed testing drive-through site at the Motorpoint Arena car park behind the BBC building in Nottingham. This location is drive-through only so you either need to drive or be driven to a site.
Businesses across Broxtowe have faced unprecedented challenges throughout the pandemic. I am pleased that business across the constituency have benefitted from £46,708,469 worth of loans since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. This includes 1,347 Bounce Back Loans, 100 per cent government-backed loans which are interest-free for the first 12 months, worth £38,671,753. The scheme ensures that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, with no repayments due during the first 12 months. The Chancellor also announced on Friday that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions, alongside increasing the cash grants to businesses in England required to shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs – worth up to £3,000 per month.
Broxtowe Borough Council have published their Strategic Masterplan for the Area of Toton and are inviting comments. The consultation closes on the 22nd November 2020. Please read the consultation and comment using the link below.
https://virtualengage.arup.com/toton-masterplan/
Today I met with the Universities Minister to raise the concerns of students in Broxtowe. I know just how important Mental Health support is for students especially now, so I will continue to raise this issue with Ministers.
Finally, I would like to invite you to a virtual meeting of the first Pushbike Broxtowe Cycling Forum. This will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 21 October 2020 and will last for one hour. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Monday 19 October to confirm your attendance.
If you do have any concerns, please do get in touch and I will do my best to assist.
Stay safe
Darren
