THIS week Chorley's MP Lindsay Hoyle talks about his concern over our local ambulance service, the latest on the campaign by tragic tot Alex Rae's mum, investing in families, the Bankside Centre and the Anti-Hunting Bill.

Chorley Ambulance Service: I have become increasingly concerned about the accident and emergency services provided by Lancashire Ambulance Service over recent months.

Therefore, I have written to the chief executive of Lancashire Ambulance Service to assess its performance and to ensure that the safety of Chorley residents is not put in jeopardy.

There has been a new computerised system in operation, which causes me concern, as it assesses the greatest need for standby ambulances in terms of activity in each area.

I am particularly concerned that based on this assessment, certain areas in Chorley will not be covered as well as they should be. I am keen to ensure that the safety and welfare of everyone in Chorley is top of the agenda.

While I recognise the importance of utilising ambulances in the most efficient way this must not be done by compromising the safety of residents.

I have tabled a motion to highlight the tragic death of toddler Alex Rae who drowned at Hill Top Bunnies Nursery, Belmont, last July, urging the Government to improve the registration and inspection of nurseries.

So far 71 MPs have expressed their support and we can hopefully push for a change in the law.

Investing in families seminar - Woodlands Centre: It was good to see the Woodlands Centre in Chorley had the honour of hosting one of a series of seminars run by Home Start.

Home Start is a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting the welfare of families with young children. I attended the event, which was one of 16 being convened throughout the UK, aimed at examining how we can best provide comprehensive targeted services to strengthen families and to build strong communities.

The seminar was very informative and included key speakers from the NHS, Social Services and child care providers. It is welcoming to see issues of national importance being debated in Chorley and it was good to see the Woodlands Centre hosting such a valuable event.

Bankside Centre: Last week I went to the Bankside Centre in Chorley to look round and to meet those who use the centre. The Bankside Centre caters for adults with learning difficulties and has a wide range of facilities such as a gym and hair and beauty room. It also provides music sessions and discussion groups.

It was a pleasure to meet eight people who attend the centre and discuss various issues.

In the House: During a recent vote on the Anti-Hunting Bill I was required to wear a collapsible opera hat, as parliamentary procedure states that members must be seated and covered to make a point of order during voting. This is a strange tradition, but it is currently under review and I am therefore probably one of the last MPs ever to have to wear a top hat in the Chamber.

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