It has been a busy week or so across our towns and villages with schools returning after the summer break.

I hope all those returning or starting school have had a smooth return or transition into school and are looking forward to the year ahead. My thanks to all the teachers, support staff, parents and carers who make this possible.  

MPs returned to parliament last week after the summer recess.

It is always a real highlight of the year to spend so much more time at home in the constituency over the summer and have chance to catch up with so many individuals and organisations who do so much good in our communities. I'm looking forward to raising these issues in parliament. 

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with Lucy Bronze, the legendary Lioness who was a feature on so many of our TVs this summer. Her outstanding performance inspired a generation, and it was a real privilege to meet her. 

She was in Parliament with the Football Foundation to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

They do great work on grassroots football activities, and we had the chance to discuss grassroots football, from the super local to Racing Club and the Brakes. I'm always keen to chat about getting more kids into sport but especially football and our fantastic local clubs. 

It was a timely reminder of the importance of grassroots football as we continue to push for the new community stadium for the Brakes and all who it will benefit.  

We had some welcome news this month on the new community stadium.

At a council meeting, it was agreed to progress the plans to RIBA stage 4; to seek planning permission for the development of a design specification and indicative budget to support the decision on whether to proceed with the build of the stadium. 

The project and the club have faced many false dawns before and this should be the start of actual delivery, not another delay.

A reminder that we are still looking at an opening of 20 years since the initial idea!

I hope we will see this project going to the planning committee and being approved swiftly.

I know how hard the club are working to deliver this stadium and I'm proud to back them and the project. 

The stadium will be a massive boost to our community and so many aspects of it. It's crucial we get on and deliver it. 

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006.