The Stroud MP's weekly column.

I joined police community support officers, neighbourhood wardens and Stroud Town Council last Friday on one of their regular walks around Paganhill. I have done this before with the police and local councillors too. It is a really useful way to see first-hand what is happening in the community.

There are a few problems that need to be addressed including waste, rubbish, parking, damaged roads and some clearing of communal spaces so my team and I will get to work to try to help.

The community has high ambitions to improve residents’ lives in the area. Paganhill Octagon is moving forward in leaps and bounds, a Men’s Shed - Community Workshop will hopefully be set up shortly and we identified a range of other projects that would be fantastic additions. Stroud Town Council are working closely with local groups and the District Council to see the plans become reality.

I always enjoy spending time with local police. PCSOs Amy Webb and Jo Alexander and all PCSOs in the District know their areas really well and are able to give me a great insight into the opportunities and challenges they find on a daily basis.

It was a really good visit and I thank everyone for letting me come along.

On planning, as you may know, I am working with MP colleagues to shape the reform of planning in England. Following the government reshuffle, we are writing to the Prime Minister to reopen discussions about the proposed legislation.

I remain concerned about the Government’s planning white paper and I am pleased to learn that there may be a rethink of many of the proposals. With a new Secretary of State in place, I believe there is an opportunity for fresh discussions.

I’m really mindful of how stressful planning matters are in a number of our communities due to the local plan going through at the moment. While that is with the council and I cannot influence it as an MP – please be assured I’m doing my best to affect change in the national picture.

One of the asks from the PM is that the Planning Bill is first published as a draft for pre-legislative scrutiny. This tends to improve legislation and this is obviously important, especially with such landmark legislation.

I will keep working on this and welcome comments from Stroud constituents as we go along.