Column by Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie.

The terrible situation in Ukraine is on everyone’s mind. The attacks on civilians and watching children flee in fear is incredibly upsetting. As a result, the characteristic generosity of people across Stroud, the Valleys and Vale has been in evidence these last few days with supplies and money donated.

I went to see Iron and Earth Equipment and Harleywood Haulage on Friday who have collated emergency items to go to Ukraine from all over Gloucestershire. The businesses are using their own funds, staff, skills and time to make this happen and I thanked them for what they are doing.

However, the fast-moving situation is changing all the time and both the Polish embassy, the Ukrainian government and others are now asking for people not to send items at this stage.

Too many supplies could clog up the logistics at the borders. There are also currently plenty of goods in neighbouring countries – it is the funds to pay for them that is required.

Bordering countries have therefore asked people to donate money instead, A good place to do so is the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. The UK government is match funding every £1 donation starting with £20 million.

My heart goes out to all Ukrainians living through this awful ordeal. The tough sanctions the West has imposed are starting to bite in Russia but I do not believe Putin will back down. I fear this tragedy will continue for some time yet.

Back in Stroud, I had a packed schedule of visits last Friday. One was to Hardwicke Parochial Primary School where I met with the headteacher Wendy D'Arcy and the Year 6 worship leaders who are looking forward to going to secondary school this year.

We talked a lot about the pandemic and how it had affected them. These pupils did not like school being closed but praised the school’s online systems that were set up quickly during the lockdowns.

We then had a Q&A session about how the debates at Prime Minister’s Questions are viewed, what I did before I was elected and I asked what was their favourite thing about school. It was heartwarming that the children’s comments highlighted their positive attitudes, desire to learn and their belief that they should respect each other. The children were a credit to their teachers and they wanted to show off having a very good school.

Another important meeting was with the Mayor of Stroud Kevin Cranston and the chair of the Regeneration Committee Stella Parkes. We looked at some of the projects that Stroud Town Council would like to be considered for the current Levelling up grant.

The council has worked really hard to create plans for regenerating the town

One project would be to literally level up the large square pavement in front of the Subscription Rooms. This space could then be used as a place for enterprise, crafts, meetings, rest and to socialise.

The town council team understand completely that being true to our local cultural and arts heritage is important alongside the necessity to find ways to bring more people into the town to spend money in our fantastic shops, create new jobs and inviting more investment is also key. I respect all of their hard work over the years to create the vision that they are putting forward.

It was a pleasure to have a walkabout and chat too!