Thank you to the staff of British Waterways and volunteers from the Chesterfield Canal Society for some major clean up work on the canal after its disgraceful state was highlighted. I am also delighted to hear that the Landlord of the Litten Tree is going to be clearing up canal debris every week. It is quite unacceptable to see the levels of vandalism and alcohol related litter left in the centre of town every weekend.

 I have long proposed to the Council that they use their powers to compulsory purchase derelict buildings, renovate them and sell them off. There might even be a profit for them in doing this. They agreed to do this in Langold some years ago and I can think of a number of properties that they should be using their powers to do up immediately. One of these properties is on Watson Road, it is an example of dangerous and anti-social property that blights the area.

I have instigated a meeting with the train operators following a briefing on the proposed East Coast Mainline services last week. I will be meeting them again on Wednesday and I want to see better peak time services than is currently being proposed to Leeds and London and a late night train each day from London. Currently the last train is at 9.30 pm and even earlier on Saturday, leaving business people and those visiting the theatre or other London attractions with a late night drive to and from Newark. Retford station needs a better deal than this.

Many of Worksop and Bassetlaw's finest attended my Claim Again Meeting for miners and miners families whose industrial disease claim was not properly completed. Those with no Services Award for vibration white finger and those in work at the time without a Smith and Manchester Award should contact me as you could well be owed a tidy sum of money, whilst others did not get a Bereavement Award that was due.

I was surprised to see a dozen people come forward to reclaim fees from solicitors who had double charged. They will all get their money back and there are still others out there who can get these fees repaid.

Does your property have soakaways or do the down-pipes empty onto your path and garden? If so, you may be entitled to a reduced water rates bill. Please contact me on mannj@parliament.uk or at 68a Carlton Road if you are not receiving this discount.