Every hedgerow seems to be full of litter, not just in this area but all over. I have therefore decided to raise the matter with a resolution in Parliament suggesting that we resurrect the concept of ‘Keep Britain Tidy’.

I am particularly annoyed at the lack of letter bins at lay-bys- surely this is an excellent opportunity for business sponsorship? And I get even more annoyed at the yobs who chuck rubbish out of car windows as they drive along. Residents from Sandy Lane were rightly strong in voicing their concerns with me over this appalling behaviour. What is it that gives some the belief that it is their right to litter our country in this way?

Perhaps better education will help, as we are now witnessing at our new secondary schools. I was privileged to witness the opening of the new Portland School, which involved a range of exciting activities and even a video conference with their new twinned school in Brazil.

I am told that the Football Foundation has agreed nearly half a million pounds for new football facilities in Worksop and I am involved in also persuading Sport England to upgrade other football and hockey facilities which I anticipate will arrive soon. I will continue to lobby these bodies for even more money. If your club, especially for young people, needs new facilities please get in touch with me ASAP (01909 506200 or mannj@parliament.uk).

Neighbourhood policing has now been introduced across the country. I am watching carefully to see how well it is applied in this area and it will be my issue number one when our new Chief Constable arrives in the summer. One of their top priorities has to be mini-motos and quad bikes tearing through estates and getting these illegal bikes crushed.

I am meeting with Defence Ministers to propose that not just should the Bevin Boys be recognised for their war service but also every miner who dug coal to contribute to the war effort. There has never been a shortage of volunteers from this area for the Armed Services, but many had to stay in order to dig the coal we needed for our war victory. The contribution of all miners has never been properly recognised and in my view it is high time that it was now.

I am therefore intending to organise an event this year, in addition to my veterans Event, for all the miners who worked down the pit during the war. Their contribution, in this area at least, will be recognised. If you worked down the pit in the war please let me know on 01909 506200.