Town is seeing the fruits of regeneration

WALSALL has been referred to as a town of a hundred trades.

Many have gone, particularly the steel industry.

But I am pleased to say our Gracious Sovereign's handbags are still made in a factory in Chuckery.

Walsall is seeing the fruits of regeneration.

There has been investment.

The completion of the Manor Hospital, in the town centre, a refurbished Walsall College and a Tesco will create jobs.

At the New Art Gallery, I heard a new generation of poets – Helen Calcutt and her father, David Calcutt, perform her poem to celebrate regeneration, Where There was Nothing.

"...to the thought of light's near breaking, over the bell tower, over St Matthew's spire."

It is a constituency of contrasts – there is a farm at Pheasey Park Farm.

The other end there's the vibrant, close community of Palfrey and Pleck.

But there are inequalities.

A key performance indicator, GCSE A-C grades, shows a contrast.

In Paddock it is 100 per cent whereas in Darlaston it is 41 per cent.

Joseph Leckie School in line for repairs and upgrading in the Building Schools for the Future fund must not be overlooked.

From birth there is Sure Start. I am pleased the Government has no plans to dismantle Sure Start.

At Palfrey Sure Start they do good work with both fathers and mothers.

I am concerned that the child trust funds will end. It teaches fiscal responsibility.

Children can track their investment as they grow up.

I have seen the Future Jobs Fund work at first hand. Young people who would have been on the dole were taught skills.

They are taught the skills to match the available jobs.

Many constituents were distressed at the events near Gaza.

The blockade must be lifted.

Aid and construction materials should be allowed under the supervision of the EU and the UN.

Anyone who attended the BBC Proms where the initiative of Daniel Barenboim and the late Edward Said, the West Eastern Divan Orchestra played, would see hope for the future.

When people meet together they do not fear each other.

The children of Israel and Palestine should hear music, laughter and their parents' voices, not gunfire and the mourning of lost lives.