Last Friday, Huw joined Whatlington Parish Council and local residents for a Question Time event in the village hall.

Earlier this year, Whatlington parish council had been struggling to find local parishioners who were prepared to join the parish council and it was at risk of folding. However, following a concerted campaign to attract local residents, including encouragement from the MP, the parish council was pleased to welcome several new councillors who are now busy working for their local community.

Chair of the parish council, Roger Fisher, invited Huw to come to speak with local residents and meet the new councillors at an event in the village hall last week.  Top of the agenda was the A21 which is currently undergoing a £20m road safety investment package. Discussions also included road safety on the other lanes in the village, bus services, road drains and flooding and ticket offices.

Huw said “It was great to meet the new parish councillors at Whatlington who are keen to get involved and support their local community. Their work is important and hugely valued.  I’d like to give my thanks to parish Chair of 31 years, Roger Fisher, for chairing a good-natured and productive meeting. I’d also like to thank parish clerk, Valerie Bennett, for organising the meeting. She provides invaluable support and expertise to the parish councillors.

“It was good to speak to Whatlington residents about issues which are important to them. Road safety and local bus services regularly impact their daily lives so I’ll be working closely with the parish council on these issues over the next few months.”