The Clarion monthly column

Written by Annette Brooke MP and published in The Clarion on Mon 20th Jun 2005

It seems to have been a very busy month for me both in London and the constituency. Three major issues are all being strongly debated locally as I write this article - the proposed amalgamation of Upton Junior and Upton Infant Schools, the new buildings at Lytchett Minster Upper School, and the proposed closure of the award-winning 'TORCH' treatment and rehabilitation centre in Bournemouth which currently supports over 160 mentally ill people and their relatives and carers.

I attended a public meeting on the proposed amalgamation of the two Upton schools and whilst it is clear that there is an urgent need for the schools to be upgraded, I did feel that there were many unanswered questions at that meeting. I have written to the County Council suggesting that as it has taken so long to progress the rebuilding of Upton Junior School it is particularly important to get the best outcome for the whole community.

It is now 5 years since the fire at Lytchett Minster School and still discussions continue on the actual plans for rebuilding. I just hope that progress will be made. I have been in constant contact with officials at the Department of Education and Skills.

I am receiving many representations from constituents about the proposed closure of TORCH and I am deeply concerned about cutbacks affecting the most vulnerable in our society. I am seeking a meeting with the Dorset Healthcare Trust to discuss the issues.

At the time of writing, it is National Carer's Week and so it is particularly sad that carers involved with TORCH are feeling let down. I am pleased to support the week as a whole and to recognise the hidden army of people who are contributing so much and perhaps not getting recognition and enough help with respite care. I have tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons drawing attention to the particular issues facing Young Carers who often face great pressures with their schooling.

I have recently been looking at issues relating to dyslexia and autism and would be particularly interested to hear about any problems that constituents may have experienced in terms of support.

Meanwhile my mailbag is ever increasing but I am always pleased to hear from constituents on any issues they wish to raise with me.