Nick Herbert says: come and quiz me

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert is once again giving the public a chance to raise issues of concern with him by holding open meetings across his constituency.

The meetings are non-party political and open to all local residents.  Mr Herbert is usually joined by local councillors at the meetings, which are held in village halls on Fridays and Saturdays throughout February and March.

Mr Herbert has also issued a six-page "Westminster Report" which is being delivered by volunteers to households across the constituency.  The Report includes petition forms for the three hospitals under threat in West Sussex.

Open meetings have already been held in Aldingbourne (26 January), Bolney (27 January), Findon (27 January) and Pulborough (3 February), with more to follow in Steyning, Angmering, Upper Beeding, Arundel, Henfield, West Chiltington and Walberton.

Mr Herbert said: "I normally say a few words to update the meeting on what is happening locally and nationally, and then people raise whatever issues are on their minds".

The MP added: "I think it's important that the meetings are open to everyone, so we try to keep off party politics.  I see them as events to support the local community and make sure everyone has a chance to make their voice heard."

Mr Herbert continues to hold surgeries on Fridays for constituents who want to raise matters of individual or personal concern.  Currently these are held in Steyning, but from April they will be rotated around the constituency, with advance notice being given in parish magazines and in the local press, and on Mr Herbert's new website, which is due to be launched shortly.

Nick Herbert has also started a new initiative of meeting parish councils or their chairmen to liaise with them about local issues.  He has already met with Storrington, Henfield and Steyning Parish Councils this year, and hopes to arrange meetings with other parishes across his constituency.

Ends