A new state-of-the-art vocational training centre was unveiled at Ashfield School on Friday 4 July in the presence of MPs and local business diginitaries. The multi-million pound centre features nine business units and offers pupils a wide range of vocational training in the construction, vehicle repair, health, design, IT and beauty industries.

For more information see link.

The Tiffin Cup · Wed, 9th July · 

The Tiffin Cup Competition was launched earlier in the year to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country. MPs nominated their most popular South Asian restaurant in their constituencies.

The final took place on 9th July 2008, where 8 finalists restaurants took part in a cook-off in the House of Commons kitchen. The judging panel consisted of celebrity chef Ainsley Harriett, Tandoori Magazine editor Humayun Hussain among others. Chief Whip Rt Hon Geoff Hoon opened the event and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Hilary Benn presented the winners with their trophy.

The winner was Mint and Mustard Restaurant from Cardiff North constituency, Julie Morgan MP.

The Tilda Tiffin Cup Final 2008 raised money for Roko Cancer Appeal.

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon met residents of Selston to discuss the government's plans for the Post Office Card Account (POCA).

The POCA is currently going through a process of re-evaluation to make sure that it is meeting the needs of customers but is also cost-effective to the tax-payer. Mr Hoon met with Robert Boyle, the postmaster in Selston and residents who have contacted Mr Hoon highlighting their concerns.

The POCA currently allows people to receive their benefit, state pension and tax credit payments into an easy to use account. The card then allows people to withdraw their money at any Post Office branch.

As of yet no decision has been made and Mr Hoon met with residents and POCA users to allay fears that the POCA will still be accessible to all who need it.

Mr Hoon said, 'What is important to remember is that nothing has been decided yet. The current cards are still active and so users have nothing to fear. Any changes that might happen will not take place overnight and they will only be done in order to make the card better for the user.'

Mr Hoon added, 'I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with Mr Boyle and all of those who have contacted me on this issue. Communication is vital and I am here to listen.'

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon and County Councillor Edward Llewellyn-Jones recently met with residents of Willowbridge Lane to discuss their concerns that the road is being used as a rat run.

Residents have been complaining bitterly for some time that their street is being used by motorists as a rat run at peak times and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

There are no pavements along the top half of Willowbridge Lane, which meets with Alfreton Road, so people are forced to walk in the road. This part of the road is supposed to only be used by residents, but drivers in a hurry regularly drive down Willowbridge Lane as a shortcut.

Many parents who live on Willowbridge Lane walk their children to Mapplewells Primary school as they dare not let their children walk on their own as they fear they might get hit by a car.

Mr Hoon is hopeful that progress can be made, 'There are signs at either end of Willowbridge Lane that clearly state that it is for access for residents only. We are calling on the Police to enforce this properly and the council to introduce traffic calming measures.'

Ashfield MP meets local businessman · Fri, 18th July · 

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon visited Maun Industries to meet Eddie Thomas, the new owner.

Maun Industries has been based in Ashfield for over half a century and began life as a press work and metal machining business but has now developed a range of pliers, both for professional and personal use.

Maun Industries has diversified its product range and now produces a myriad of products from animal identity tags to security sealing tags for electricity meters. Maun Industries employs 50 people and distributes all over the UK and to over 35 countries worldwide.

Mr Thomas said: 'Maun delivers a quality product to its customer, has a skilled workforce and has been well managed by its previous owners. I am already working to develop the business further, exploiting new markets and introducing new, innovative products.'

He added: 'In the coming months and years, I plan to invest in the development of the business, both at home in the UK and in our export markets to secure the future of tool manufacturing here in Sutton-in-Ashfield.'

Mr Hoon said: 'I look forward to seeing the site and meeting with Mr Thomas. It is important that we have a thriving manufacturing industry in Ashfield and I wish Mr Thomas all the success and that Maun Industries go from strength to strength.'