Brentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart has expressed deep sadness over the violent death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, describing her as a passionate and tenacious politician admired across the political spectrum.
Road Safety Urgency After Tragic Death
At the end of last week, Burghart also received the terrible news that a little boy was killed by a lorry on the Epping Road at the north end of Ongar. He has been campaigning for greater road safety in Ongar for years and will be raising this again urgently with the relevant authorities.
Supporting Local Businesses
Over the past few months, Burghart has been visiting local businesses to hear how they are affected by government policies on employers' National Insurance payments and business rates. He spent time with Les at Brentwood Lock & Safe on the Ongar Road, a company that has been a stalwart in Brentwood for 35 years. They discussed issues making businesses harder and less profitable.
Campaign to Support Pubs
Burghart continues his campaign to encourage people to 'Drink a Pint a Week in a Local Pub' (non-alcoholic options included). Hundreds of thousands have seen the campaign on social media, and he encourages residents to suggest local pubs or businesses to visit.
Community Hospital Services
Burghart has also been asking residents what services they would like at Brentwood Community Hospital as NHS Essex consults on its Neighbourhood Health Plans. He discussed this with doctors at the Deal Tree Health Centre in Doddinghurst, noting these are interesting times for local health care.
