In recent months charities and voluntary organisations have proved vital in reaching out to those in need; be it with food, delivering medication, arranging activities and support or simply offering a reassuring voice at the end of the phone. The Government has responded to this and I’m particularly pleased that more than £40k has been awarded to organisations in Bridport, to help them continue their good work; including the ASD and Social Anxiety Group, the Child Contact Centre, the Stepping Out Cancer Rehabilitation Community Group, the Burrough Harmony Centre, the Friends of the Lyric Theatre and Bridport R.C. Parish For full details please visit www.chrisloder.co.uk/charities

Many more of us are now building cycling and walking into our daily routines and I know that Bridport Cycling Club has an enthusiastic membership. Government has recognised this and just announced £439k for Dorset through the Active Travel Fund, with the aim of making our local areas more cycling and pedestrian-friendly while reducing congestion, improving health and benefitting air quality.

You may have already read in the press that I felt it my personal duty to restore the solemn respect of the Cenotaph on Armistice Day, which I did by removing Extinction Rebellion’s protest ‘wreath’ from amongst those laid by members of the Royal Family. I’m afraid this type of outrageous PR stunt does not help the climate change cause.

On the subject of the environment, I have recently co-sponsored of the Plastic Pollution Bill, to help combat the damage caused by single-use plastics in particular, and I am also considering plastics-related amendments to the Environment Bill. The case for tackling biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental risks to public health is clear and I’m pleased the Government has set a clear target on us reaching net zero emissions. I’m also enjoying a productive working relationship with the new West Dorset Environment Alliance.

CHRIS LODER

MP FOR WEST DORSET