After a busy morning in my constituency office, I met with Cllr Carole Allaway Martin in Coleford where we spent time talking to a number of the shop owners around town.

Recently, I had a virtual meeting with Gloucestershire’s Chief Constable and his senior leadership team.

We discussed a variety of issues including policing during Covid-19, rural crime and the Constabulary’s structural capabilities.

‘Are You Being Served?' The people of Newent certainly are!

More great local businesses have now reopened in a Covid-secure way across the Forest of Dean. Some have been able to trade that way throughout, including these Cinderford shops I dropped into at the end of last week.

Last Friday, I had a virtual meeting with the Headteacher and Chairman of Governors at Offa’s Mead Primary Academy as well as the Chief Executive of the school’s Academy Trust.

Throughout this week, I have been in regular contact with Gloucestershire Constabulary – up to and including the Chief Constable – about tomorrow’s proposed demonstration in Bathurst Park, Lydney.

Testing forms a key part of the Government’s strategy to enable life to return to something approaching normal whilst keeping coronavirus under control.

TOP-UP GRANT SCHEME – APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON SUNDAY

Sunday is the deadline for businesses across the Forest of Dean to apply for grants from the Local Authority Discretionary Fund.

On Friday, I visited our local Covid-19 testing site in Gloucester.

It was impressive to see the professionalism of the operation overseen by the Royal Welsh in partnership with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Gloucestershire Constabulary, the County Council and the NHS.

Earlier this week, I spoke with the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on a conference call. On the call, I raised the need for as much flexibility as possible to allow the hospitality sector to operate their current businesses, be it a pub, restaurant or similar business, in an outdoor setting.