I am incredibly frustrated at the lack of progress following the fire at Wythburn Crescent late last year.

Following the fire, I immediately met with residents who were understandably concerned at what this would mean for the shop keepers and the local community. I also met with Torus, who own the shops, and other agencies, who held a community meeting.

But since then progress slowed to the point that only now tenants are being informed that demolition will take place.
This is obviously not good enough for a community – particularly older people – who need local Post Office facilities shops and services available to them. And now we have the added uncertainty around the shops at Bassethwaite Avenue.

The agencies involved assure me they want to see restored facilities in the area, but they need to act far more quickly.

I was out in the community speaking to local residents last week, alongside local Labour councillors and activists. We will keep up the pressure to ensure that the needs of local people are met and the community gets the facilities it needs and deserves.