Dear Friend,
Finally a bit of sun! 🌞
This Easter was packed with fantastic events across our community, and I had an absolute blast. From hunting down chocolate treasures at Christopher Pickering School, to spotting some seriously creative scarecrows in Hessle, getting competitive at Easter bingo in Gipsyville, and taking time for reflection at my church’s beautiful services—it was lovely to be out and about in the community.
But hold onto your sun hats, because the fun is far from over! As we roll towards summer, there are plenty of exciting events popping up across Hull West and Haltemprice, perfect for all the family. Starting the brilliant Anlaby Park Library Summer Fayre on Sunday 4th May.
I’ll be sharing as many local events as I can over on my social media and website, so make sure you’re following to stay in the loop on what’s happening near you!
British Steel saved for the nation
However, the Easter holidays weren’t all fin and frolicks for me as I had to hop onto Hull Trains down to London for the surprise recall of Parliament (on a Saturday, no less) to vote through the Bill to save British Steel making at Scunthorpe.
Thanks to our fast action – and that of the employees – we secured the site, got the coke and ore to keep the furnaces running into the country and cancelled all the redundancy notices. Phew! This country needs a secure supply of high-quality steel and good quality jobs, both of which are now guaranteed 💪
Businesses of the Month – Celebrating Local Gems
It’s been a pleasure to visit more of our fantastic small businesses in Hull West and Haltemprice run by enterprising local people and providing services and support for our community.
Fusion Art
Neal is an abstract artist and founder of Fusion Art, a gallery and workshop on King Edward Street in town. He’s on a mission to make art accessible to everyone in Hull and East Yorkshire and holds workshops for individuals, schools, families and seniors, as well as selling his work in the gallery.
The art is absolutely gorgeous, and I especially loved the piece inspired by our city’s fishing heritage. Neal also does individual commissions.
Nibble
Nibble is a wonderful cafe, tucked away in the C4DI buildings at the bottom of Humber Street serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, great coffee and lovely homemade sweet treats
The food is delicious with a regular menu and a creative, ever changing specials board. When you arrive you’re immediately welcomed by the friendly team, so it’s absolutely no surprise it’s a firm favourite with local residents and visitors to our city.
If you’re around the Marina, then I would definitely recommend a visit to Nibble.
Vulcan visit
The team at the Vulcan Centre do incredible work supporting young people and our local community. From providing education and training, to using sport to teach respect and self-control, to boosting self-esteem and employability, they’re making a real difference every day.
I’m so grateful we have such a wonderful service here in West Hull and I want to say a huge thank you to the whole team for everything they do for our community 🤗.
Free breakfast clubs
Free Breakfast Club is officially up and running at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School! 🥣🍞🧃
I had the pleasure of going back to Willerby Carr, a school close to my heart after 11 wonderful years of teaching there. It was amazing to see the new breakfast club in action! As a former teacher, I know just how much a good breakfast can set kids up for success- boosting concentration, energy, and learning power for the day ahead.
The staff couldn’t wait to share how well it’s been going. Parents are loving the extra support, and the children? They’re thrilled to have some fun time with their friends before the bell rings! It’s been a massive hit already.
More local schools are to follow in the next wave! This is Labour’s promise in action- free breakfast clubs for all primary-aged children. We’re making it happen, and it’s making a real difference. 🌟
Boost for childcare
More good news for families
I’m so pleased Paisley Primary in the constituency is one of the first of 300 schools in the country to receive government funding to open a new school-based nursery.
With the commitment to offering 30 free hours of childcare a week, this will give local children the opportunity to get the best start in life while saving local families up to £7,500 a year with 30 hours free childcare.
Pickering Park pool update
Work to revamp Pickering Park Pool is about to kick off! But here’s the real question: can Hull City Council actually pull off finishing a project on time?
After sending a letter to the council about the pool, they’ve assured residents that the repairs will be done and dusted in time for the summer holidays. That’s music to the ears for local families, although let’s be honest, there’s some understandable scepticism floating around. Hull City Council’s track record for sticking to deadlines hasn’t exactly been stellar.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on the progress and won’t hesitate to hold the council to their promise. Fingers crossed that we’ll see the pool ready and waiting for some summer fun! 🌞🏊
Hessle banking hub opens!
I know how important access to cash and banking services is for residents, so I was delighted to be asked to open the Hessle Banking Hub (I’ve been pestering them about opening one long enough!). I got to cut the ribbon too 😁 ✂✂
It’s at the old Halifax building in the square, and offers the following counter services from 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday available whoever you bank with:
• Withdraw and deposit cash
• Deposit cheques
• Pay utility bills
• Check your account balance
• Collect change (registered business customers)
If you need to speak with someone from your own bank, advisers from TSB, Santander, NatWest, Halifax, Barclays and Lloyds all have weekly slots at the hub.
Promise made – promise delivered
Labour promised to make sure neighbourhoods in Hull West and Haltemprice had police officers who residents knew, and who knew the community they serve, and we are delivering on that promise!
38 new Neighbourhood Policing Officers will be recruited by Humberside Police thanks to additional funding as part of our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which will put 13,000 more police officers into neighbourhood policing roles by 2029, an increase of more than 50%.
NHS waiting lists down AGAIN
Brilliant news!
🌟 Three million additional NHS appointments.
🌟 Half a million appointments and operations saved from cancellation.
🌟 Four in five people are receiving the all clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within four weeks – the highest proportion on record.
Free, universal healthcare is one of this country’s proudest achievements. The NHS will only be safe with a Labour government, and we’re determined to make it the best it can be!
Chasing Rainbows
I want to give a shout out to the incredible Chasing Rainbows charity, which I visited this month.
They offer support, advice and understanding for those who have experienced pregnancy loss, baby loss, or are struggling with fertility.
I know so many people who experience fertility issues or a miscarriage feel completely alone but Chasing Rainbows provides a really safe space for people to speak about their struggles, grieve their loss and receive amazing advice on further steps they can take in their fertility journey. If you’re struggling then please do reach out to them, you’re not alone.
Equally, if you’re an employer who would like to learn more about how to support employees who are going through fertility issues, Chasing Rainbows offer training on how to provide that support.
Thank you so much to the men and women who shared their stories with me during my visit
And finally…
As always, I’m here to support you. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how I can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at emma.hardy.mp@parliament.uk or call my office at 01482 219211. Leave a message if I’m unavailable, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Best wishes,
Emma Hardy MP
Hull West and Haltemprice