New monthly column for local MP

This month I launched a new local campaign to 'Save our Pubs!'. We have been gradually losing some of our favourite taverns for many years. However Gordon brown's recession is now threatening to push many more over the edge. Several well known landmarks such as the 1066 in Battle and the Bull's Head in Boreham Street have already had to close their doors in recent weeks.

But it is not just Labour's credit crunch that is pushing our local pubs over the edge. The gradual increase in taxation of draft bitters and lagers over the high alcohol content alcopops readily available from supermarkets as well as bureaucratic burdens on small businesses and a failure by a Labour government to value the crucial role pubs play at the heart of local communities have all undermined the viability of the pub trade. Pubs in rural communities, that this government has so consistently overlooked, have been particularly hard hit.

That's why I hope local people will rally to my 'Save our Pubs!' Campaign. We need to mobilise support to change both regulation and taxation to give our local pubs a chance.

Last Weekend I visited Ye Olde King's Head in Battle, with Samantha Guard who is helping me with this campaign, as well as meeting residents in Boreham Street who are endeavouring to reopen The Bull's Head. I launched the campaign behind the bar of The Devonshire in Bexhill.

However, I am particularly keen to get our and visit as many of our pubs in the constituency as possible. I can't promise to have a pint in every one, but I am keen to hear the views and concerns of landlords and regulars alike and to encourage as many people as possible to sign my petitions.

The success we had mobilising support over the proposed attacks on dispensing pharmacies in local doctors' surgeries last year, and the U-turn in the face of a strong local campaign to cut our railway service to London, shows what we can achieve together when we put our minds to it. So do please get in touch with me through my office in Bexhill if you would like me to visit your local.

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Just as I kicked off my save the pubs campaign, so I called time on the petition for a minor injuries unit at Bexhill hospital when I delivered it in person to Rother PCT Chief Exec (Mike Wood] at Bexhill hospital. When it comes to minor injury treatment, the residents of Bexhill are trapped between the two large hospitals in Eastbourne and Hastings. Bexhill Hospital site is a major resource which should be used more effectively and is the perfect place for a minor injuries unit.

Although the petition is now closed, and we have not yet won support from the PCT for a new hospital service on site, the door is not closed on this idea and I can assure Bexhill citizens that I will continue to push for an upgrade of healthcare provision in the town.

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Finally our local youngsters occasionally get knocked but I have to say I am always really impressed by the kids I meet in my many visits to local schools and voluntary groups. I was particularly delighted to be asked to present the battle scouts with their environment badges last week, what a great bunch of boys and girls they are.