Welcome to my August Newsletter.
With Parliament on recess, it has been wonderful to use the last month to meet and catch up with as many of you across the constituency as possible. I have detailed below some of the visits I have undertaken however I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken their time to talk to me over the last month.
I would also like to say a huge congratulations to all the pupils who have this month received their GCSE and A Level results. It’s been such a tough year but receiving your grades this month is a huge achievement. Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship, moving to sixth form or university, or going straight into a job, I wish you all the best of luck for the future.
Locally, this month I have been working hard to provide an update on Gracious Lane Bridge. As many of you are aware, there have been a number of tragic incidents over the years at the bridge. The community, for a very long time, have rightly been demanding that safety measures be put in place. And, since becoming an MP I have raised this issue with Highways England on several occasions, obtaining a commitment from the then CEO that such measures would be put in place. Sadly, these works have been delayed on several occasions due to what Highways England have described as “technical difficulties”. The good news is that the parapet has been ordered, but due to other difficulties, the works will not take place until late October. I have therefore been pushing for a temporary measure to be put in place. I am now told a temporary barrier will be in position by early September – but I continue to press Highways England until this happens, as we have had too many false dawns. I was initially concerned to hear that the bridge will have to close whilst the temporary barrier is being installed. However, having made contact with Highways England, I have been assured the temporary works will take place overnight and will be completed within one shift. Mental Health provisions are also of course central to preventing future incidents, however I am hopefully progress is also being made on the practical side.
Finally, as many of you will know, I have followed and campaigned on maternity throughout the pandemic. However, I am becoming increasingly concerned about a number of pregnant women who are choosing not to receive the vaccine. It was heart-breaking to hear recently that half (2 in 4) of the patients in intensive care at Pembury Hospital are pregnant women. Being pregnant is an anxious time, even in the most normal of circumstances. I therefore understand the worry and concern, however it must be stressed that the vaccine is safe. All the evidence is clear that the vaccine won’t hurt your baby. But sadly, COVID is proved to cause miscarriage and early labour. I encourage pregnant women across Sevenoaks and Swanley who have received the vaccine to come forward and share their experience. I hope by talking about this mothers-to-be can be reassured they are not alone. I continue to update my website with the latest guidance on the vaccine and local testing, so please do visit https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/vaccine-update if you have any questions.
Thank you all for your continued support, and if there is somewhere you think I should visit in the coming weeks please do get in touch.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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