Despite the drizzly weather, I have been spending plenty of time out and about in Hertsmere, meeting residents and standing up for our communities in Bushey.

I was pleased to join the Chairman of Squires Park Association in Bushey to discuss the condition of Bushey Hall Drive. The site is heavily damaged by potholes and craters, and Squires Park Association have been fighting to improve the maintenance of the road. I have made representations to all involved to determine who is responsible for the repair.

And of course, I continue to stand up for our green open spaces. I attended Harts Farm on Little Bushey Lane to support Bushey residents and Bushey Park councillors in their fight against the proposal to build 310 homes at this site. The matter is now in the hands of the Planning Inspectorate, following the Council’s decision to recommend refusal on Redrow Homes’ planning application. I will continue to monitor this, and all other applications on green belt land, closely. I urge all residents to engage with the council as they take the next steps in developing the local plan for our area and do visit my website to see more detail about my work defending our countryside: www.oliverdowden.com.

I have also enjoyed meeting many residents out and about, including holding local advice surgeries alongside Bushey Park ward councillors in the King George Rec Park, visiting local schools such as St Margaret’s, and much more.

As we approach the warmer months, there is plenty to look forward to and I am excited to continue seeing many of you out and about in Bushey.

I hope everyone can spend some time with their families over Easter and enjoy the sense of hope and renewal that this time of year brings.