Re-elect Jacqui Smith

Diary 2 March 2010

Redditch is a good place to live, to work and to shop!  That was the conclusion of a meeting I had with representatives of town centre businesses last week.  We discussed what more we could do to attract people into the town centre – the Government has made over £52,000 available to help the town centre in the tough economic times and it could be spent on better signage, promotions and events.  I hope it gets spent soon to support the businesses working so hard in Redditch Town Centre.

Earlier, I had been talking to the police about their work to keep the town safe.  They have police teams in every neighbourhood now and are keen that people get to know their neighbourhood team.  I’ve circulated contact details and I was pleased to hear that they’ll be issuing new information as well.  The next time you see a local police officer or community support officer, why not stop, say hello and introduce yourself!

There was also encouraging news about rates of burglary in Redditch – not only are they keeping the levels down, but are doing better than many other areas around Redditch!  Well done to Redditch police!

In London, I attended my enrolment session to receive a National ID card.  It was very efficient – they checked my form and passport, took fingerprints and a photo and I was out in 20 minutes!  I will receive my ID card in the next few days and can then use it to travel in Europe, to easily prove my identity without carrying my passport or bills around and I can be confident that it’s much more difficult for anyone else to steal my identity.  Well worth £30!