Over fifty people attended my public meeting “Membership Matters – Hospital Foundation Trusts”

Foundation Trusts are a new way of enabling Hospital Trusts to create an active public membership. Speakers outlined the role of individual members who join the Trust and how they would be consulted on service provision.

I am urging everyone to become a member of the Foundation Trust as part of my campaign to Save the Princess Royal Hospital.

You can join online at www.nhs-membership.co.uk/sath

Paul campaigning with Telford Tigers

Paul is backing Telford Tigers to become a Supporters Trust. This means that the club will be owned by its supporters in the same way as AFC Telford is. Supporters Direct, which was set up by the Labour government to help football clubs, will be helping Telford Tigers become the first ice hockey club to become a Supporters Trust. This means that they wil be able to start competing again in the 2010 season if enough people sign up to join the club.

There is widespread concern about proposals for opencast coal mining off Huntingdon Lane. UK Coal have appealed in respect of the Borough of Telford & Wrekin’s failure to issue a decision on their application, so there will now be a Public Enquiry. Speaking to residents on the doorstep in Arleston I have picked up much uncertainty and opposition to the plans, which will affect an area of outstanding natural beauty. I will continue to lobby the Local Authority to ensure that residents are properly consulted and informed.