Ben Gummer was asked to write a letter to the Maidenhall residents, to appear in the Maidenhall Residents’ Association newsletter. Here it is:
Dear Maidenhall Resident,
I am really pleased to be able to write in this, the first edition of your newsletter since my election on 6th May. I want to say from the outset that I am here for everyone in Ipswich, no matter how they voted. So please, do not hesitate to get in touch with me if there is any issue that concerns you – whether it is a personal problem or something to do with the government. I shall soon have an office set up in Ipswich and will let you know the details when it is open but until then please continue to contact me using my email address (ben@bengummer.com), by ‘phone (0845 634 9197) or by post (House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA).
I am determined to help you and local activists deal with some pressing problems in the Maidenhall Estate and across Bridge Ward. The first is anti-social behaviour. I know that many people have been troubled by this in the area. I know people see that this is not something we can simply solve with more and more police powers: we need to attacked the root of the problem, which is family breakdown, our failed prisons system and a general lack of respect. This is not something any government can solve quickly or on its own. So you will see in the next few years measures to support families, to help restore discipline to our schools, and to give the police the powers they need without the paperwork that holds them back. But we must also work hard as a community together to do something about anti-social behaviour. So please let me and the MRA know of any problems that you have encountered and the ideas you have for improving the situation.
I know that many people have been disturbed by noise from the port, which can be very annoying. Before my election I lobbied the port companies to deal with the problem and some silencing work has since been done. But from recent reports I have received from local activist James Spencer it is clear that all is not completely solved. The key here is to ensure that the Borough Council knows whenever you are disturbed or irritated by noise, as then they are in a stronger position to do something about it. If you are troubled by noise from the port (or anywhere else for that matter) please contact the Council’s Environmental Protection Hotline on 01473 433 110. In the meantime, I shall be talking to company representatives from the port shortly to see what else can be done and will report back to you on progress.
For some years there has been a problem with speeding traffic on the corner of Maidenhall Approach by the Green. I am aware of this and the issue has already been taken up with the Borough. I shall pursue the issue next time I meet with traffic officials: there is a long list of complaints from across the town but this is one of safety and so I shall stress that it is a priority.
Finally, I’d like to commend the Residents’ Association on the work it has done is running the shop on Maidenhall Green. I know that this is a lifeline to many people and I would like to take the opportunity to let everyone who helps keep this shop going that it is a service others elsewhere in Ipswich would love to see in their area. So I hope to encourage others to take up your idea!
I hope to see you a lot over the next few years – and please do remember to get in touch should you want me to help with anything.
Yours,
Ben
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