News

Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

26 July 2007

My first call last Friday was to the village newsagents and store at Saltwood. There I met the owners, Mr and Mrs Patel, who are keen to open the Post Office in Saltwood which has recently been closed.

 

The reactions that the Patels have received from the Post Office has not been encouraging. Not only have they been told that their application cannot be considered until a review has been carried out, they have also been given an indication of the very substantial charges they will have to pay if their application succeeds.

This is very discouraging news for Saltwood residents who want their post office restored. I shall be writing to the Chief Executive of the Post Office to ask for an explanation of the negative attitude they have taken. I shall do my best to persuade them to change their minds.

Then I went to Churchill School at Hawkinge to see some of the latest initiatives of its inspirational headteacher, Jennie Carter. These include a reproduction rainforest in its corridor and a new horticultural initiative in partnership with the allotment holders of Hawkinge. Churchill is bidding to become the lead school for autism in Shepway and I was very impressed with some of the ways in which they deal with the challenges for children already at the school.

In the afternoon I had one of my regular meetings with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the local Primary Care Trust to discuss general issues affecting the performance of the NHS in our area.

Then I went to a remarkable sports event at Hawkinge. A very large number of youngsters were there, as were Olympic athletes Linford Christie and Darren Campbell. The rain was holding off and everyone was having a thoroughly good time. Anything that encourages more sporting activity by our young people is greatly to be encouraged. So congratulations to all concerned.

On Saturday afternoon it was the Lympne Summer Fayre, where again the weather was very kind. I started the balloon race and await with interest how far the balloons have reached. Perhaps they will give us a clue to our next holiday destination!