The last two weeks have been a busy one for me in Stourbridge as I concentrate on my priorities of bringing jobs and investment to the area and making sure residents have a better place to live.

There was big news last weekend when a bid by Pre Metro Operations to secure £16m from the government for a new passenger line between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill was announced.

I can tell you now, I am championing the ’Stourbridge Dasher’ with ministers at every opportunity. If successful, it will see greater connectivity around the Black Country and into Birmingham for jobs, shopping and leisure. It was a pleasure to safely meet up with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street at Stourbridge Junction to speak to staff working on the project.

Despite the pandemic, the community spirit abounds across the constituency and it was good to join Rev Simon Falshaw and some of his flock from Christ Church in Lye for a litter pick.

The area remains in real need of regeneration, but there are plans and commitments in place to improve things. Keeping the streets clean is a simple way to show our pride for Lye.

In other Lye news, the first CCTV cameras promised for the area have been installed as part of a £1.7 million overhaul of the borough's network. Residents are concerned about criminal activity but I’m sure these enhanced cameras will help police catch offenders, including fly-tippers.

Protecting the green belt around the constituency is vitally important. Many residents have written to me regarding the potential development of land on Bromwich Lane. I recently visited the site along with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to show our support for residents.

The consultation on the Black Country Plan starts in August. All residents need to register their views. I am against green belt development. We need brownfield development first.

Lastly, as I write, the Budget is due and there’s been much speculation about what will happen.

Expect to see continued support for sectors hard hit by the pandemic including hospitality and tourism. There is no doubt we have a big hole in our finances and this will have to be bridged. But I am sure the Chancellor will want to see the economy bounce back from Covid before any action is taken around tax rises.

The incredibly positive news around the success of the vaccine rollout on infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths is absolutely brilliant. We can look to the summer with increasing confidence.

Until then, please stay safe.