From our MP, CalumMiller . . .

My team and I were heartbroken when we learnt the dreadful news that we had lost three members of our community in the fire at Bicester Motion. Dave Chester was a well-known and liked business owner. Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler were doing their job protecting us, running towards danger when we all run from it. My thoughts and prayers are with their bereaved families and the two injured firefighters.

I would like to thank campaigners whom I have worked alongside to make the case for a fully accessible underpass to replace the London Road crossing in Bicester. At the end of March, I met with the Chief Executive of East West Rail, David Hughes and the Rail Minister, Peter Hendy. Following our discussion, I got written confirmation that two underpass options, one including space for cars (as well as cyclists and pedestrians) are now being considered. This is a welcome update, since the consultation at the start of the year did not include this option. In June, I presented the House of Commons with my petition, signed by over 4,500 people calling for an underpass that will allow cars as well. The response from the community to support this was incredible and I am so grateful to all those who collected signatures and all those who signed. It is important that the voice of local people is heard when this decision is made by ministers over the summer.

I continue to work hard, with the support of my small team, to represent you in Parliament and to ensure that the issues you raise with me are addressed. Since setting up the office and hiring the team we’ve replied to thousands of email enquiries and picked up a wide range of casework. We have assisted flood victims, followed up with problems in housing, education and health to name just a few. My small team and I work to represent all the (approximately)102,000 people across our constituency of Bicester and Woodstock.So far, our first year has been a privilege and a steep learning curve. One of the best things about my job is meeting more people in communities like Launton, where I joined a “Wetting the Roof” gathering last month to mark the new roof on the Parish Hall, and elsewhere.