Ashfield MP visits Coxmoor School · Fri, 14th March · 

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon visited Coxmoor Primary School on Friday 14th March to talk to the pupils about climate change and how people can help alleviate the effects.

The visit came about following a letter to Geoff Hoon's constituency office from nine year old Lucy Haskey-Morrill, a pupil at Coxmoor Primary School, asking questions about climate change and what can be done to protect future generations.

Mr Hoon felt that a meeting would be far more productive and arranged with head teacher George Hutheart to visit Lucy and her classmates. Mr Hoon answered questions on global warming and what youngsters like themselves can do to help limit the effects.

Mr Hoon also presented educational DVDs and posters to help children develop a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. They teach children what can and can’t be recycled and encourage them to walk and cycle more.

Mr Hoon said, 'Climate change is something that will affect the future generations and the more we understand the issue the greater chance there will be of safeguarding the planet in the years to come.'

He added, 'I was delighted to meet with these students and discuss these very important issues. It is pleasing to see that the young people of Ashfield are committed to tackling the problems of global warming.'

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon wants everyone over the age of 60 or disabled to sign up for free bus travel in time for 1 April.

On 1 April 2008, everyone who is disabled or over the age of 60 will be entitled to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in the country. Under the previous scheme people were only able to travel within the County for free.

Mr Hoon says 'The Labour Government has listened to what older and disabled people want, and is extending free bus travel to those of 60 and those who are disabled in every area of the country.

This means that pass-holders visiting the area can use our buses too, and that people from Nottinghamshire can use their pass if they are visiting relatives or on holiday in other parts of the country. You could use your pass to visit many of the tourist attractions in and around Ashfield.

I want to make sure that everybody who is eligible gets their new bus pass.'

If you are over 60 or registered disabled, and want to find out how to get your new bus pass, contact your local Council or Geoff Hoon MP's office.

MP backs Jigsaw Support Scheme · Fri, 7th March · 

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon is calling on Ashfield District Council to provide support so that the successful Jigsaw Support Scheme can provide help to the people of Ashfield.

The scheme has been operating in Mansfield since 2000 with assistance from Mansfield District Council. Although based in Mansfield, Jigsaw Support Scheme has given help to people from across the region, but in particular from Ashfield.

It was felt that a pilot scheme should be run to asses the level and nature of need in Ashfield. The pilot discovered that there was a great need for support, far exceeding expectations in both number and circumstance.

The pilot ran from March to July 2007 and offered a scaled down programme. During the pilot each person was offered only four weeks of support. Under normal circumstances they would be offered up to 2 years support. Despite the shortened timeframe the support staff were able to resolve a number of issues including consolidation of debt problems and prevention of eviction.

Jigsaw Support Scheme is a registered charity and relies upon donations and funding grants to provide its services. Jigsaw Support Scheme is not tied to any particular authority, so can help people living in either private accommodation or local authority housing.

Mr Hoon said, 'Schemes such as these provide an invaluable service to some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. I greatly urge Ashfield District Council to provide support so that Jigsaw Support Scheme can build on the work done during their pilot scheme. The people of Ashfield deserve the best support possible, I’m sure the Council Leader would agree with me.'