Message from Edward Argar MP

On Remembrance Sunday, we joined together to pause; to think; and to remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community, past and present. This year, like last year, it was a pleasure and privilege to attend the Remembrance Sunday service and parade in Syston. It was fantastic to see so many local people and children at the War Memorial, and lining Melton Road, paying tribute and remembering the incredible sacrifices made by past, and current, generations. It was a poignant service and an opportunity to reflect on the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, and on the many conflicts since the end of the Great War, and to think about those who today continue to suffer, including the veterans of recent wars, and their families. The work of the Royal British Legion and Remembrance Sunday commemorate past wars, but also remind us of the cost of war, and of our debt to all those who fight for both our country and for the values we all hold dear.
The Armed Forces community is estimated to make up around one in ten of the UK population, and the Royal British Legion does vital work in raising awareness, in supporting that community, and in ensuring that as a nation, we never forget. I hope that everyone will continue to support their fantastic work.
In more local news, I know that many Stn readers will be as disappointed as I am about the upcoming Barclays bank closure. Despite our campaign to keep it open and multiple meetings with the bank, Barclays appeared to regard it as a done deal, with the decision already made, regardless of the strong arguments put forward by local people for them to think again – and by the time you read this, I fear our local branch will have closed. It is a short-sighted decision which I believe Barclays bank will regret, but sadly so too will our town.
Finally, another local issue which Stn readers will know remains an ongoing concern, and one which I have raised before, is the congestion around the Hobby Horse Roundabout. I have met with Highways England on a number of occasions to raise this, and a range of other local concerns, and I am pleased that they do recognise that there are issues in terms of congestion and queuing.
While no immediate works are proposed, I continue to press them on what I believe would be a simple and effective solution to alleviate congestion and queuing – to add a second cut around lane allowing traffic to continue on the A46 northwards bypassing the Hobbyhorse roundabout.
As ever, if there is an event you would like to invite me to or if you feel that I can help you with a local issue, please do email me at edward.argar.mp@parliament.uk or write to me at: Edward Argar MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 00A.