MP TO SPEND SUMMER 'LISTENING TO SOLIHULL'

12.24.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Aug 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt will not be putting her feet up for the summer whilst parliament is in recess.

Lorely has planned an eight-week programme called 'Listening to Solihull' and will take every opportunity with colleagues to meet and listen to her constituents before the new session of parliament begins in the autumn.

"Life can be very hectic, rushing backwards and forwards from Solihull to Westminster, so the summer recess gives me a real opportunity to spend more time listening and talking to people locally," said Lorely.

Lorely has already started a series of 'knock and drop' surveys, which will be delivered to thousands of homes across Solihull and Shirley to discover local issues and concerns.

Lorely is planning to hold supermarket surgeries, giving people the opportunity during their family shopping trip to take a few minutes to talk and raise any issue they want with their local MP.

Lorely will also be visiting community events throughout the summer to give her a chance to meet and talk informally with constituents about what matters most in their daily lives.

"People tell me they are fed up with politicians always trying to tell them what is best for them. By taking the time over the summer not only to talk, but to listen to people, I feel sure that I will be better equipped to represent my constituents both here and in Westminster," said Lorely.

"I've always found that people respond to the personal approach and are happy to discuss matters with me when we meet. I am here full time to do the very best I can for Solihull. You can only do that if you are prepared to listen."