Serving the residents of Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven is a privilege, though this constituency truly shines when summer arrives and neighborhood solidarity becomes visible everywhere.

This past Saturday morning, I took part in the Pepperpot cleanup event in Queen’s Park alongside members of the Friends of the Pepperpot group and the St Luke’s Residents Association. The turnout was impressive, with numerous locals lending their efforts—a genuine display of civic pride and evidence of what collective action can accomplish for our shared environment. This initiative wasn’t simply about a single cleanup activity.

Rather, it forms part of an ongoing campaign to revive, protect and restore the Pepperpot—the distinctive Queen’s Park landmark that has unfortunately deteriorated from its former excellence in recent times. Collaboration with community organizations and Brighton and Hove Council has been underway to achieve this goal, and maintaining cleanliness in the area represents a crucial component, particularly since residents have consistently expressed that additional efforts are necessary. Community involvement continued throughout the day.

That afternoon, I traveled to Peacehaven to support Peacehaven and Telscombe FC during their concluding home fixture of the season. This club exemplifies how community ownership can unite individuals across generations. The match ended 2-2, and I extend my best wishes to the team for their playoff campaign.

I subsequently engaged in conversations with Peacehaven residents. Regardless of climatic conditions, these exchanges prove valuable—though dry weather certainly makes the task more pleasant.

One recurring topic involves the delayed new Morrisons supermarket at the Meridian Centre. I am pleased to report that following numerous postponements, advancement is occurring, with proposals approaching completion stage prior to submission to Lewes District Council in the coming month. Communication on this matter has strengthened, and Morrisons is now considerably more attentive to ensuring local residents’ concerns and perspectives are incorporated into the plans. This includes provisions for no residential construction within the development, along with a town centre retail outlet alongside a modernized library facility and Peacehaven Town Council offices. I remain committed to holding Morrisons accountable throughout this process.

Local residents have advocated vigorously for enhanced shopping options, and Peacehaven deserves to see this realized. Working alongside our local council representatives, I anticipate seeing these proposals advance.

Engagements with constituents in Whitehawk have centered on another equally significant matter—collectively determining the community’s future trajectory. The £20 million Pride in Place funding represents a rare opportunity to direct investment toward priorities that matter to local residents, whether improved public areas, enhanced local services or commercial district revitalization. The Government intends for Whitehawk residents to lead this initiative rather than central authorities.

At a period when communities may feel fragmented, this endeavor aims to construct something more robust collectively. Growing pride in one’s locality yields broader benefits.

Residents already demonstrate this optimistic outlook. They harbor enthusiasm, contribute numerous suggestions and prepare to influence forthcoming developments. This approach is entirely appropriate—the funding belongs to Whitehawk and should be directed by Whitehawk.

I am making every effort to gather input from as many residents as possible—through door-to-door conversations, public gatherings and digital platforms. Should you have recommendations for utilizing the £20 million, I welcome your correspondence at chris.ward.mp@parliament.uk.

During my recent visit to Whitehawk, I toured the East Brighton Health Hub situated in Robert Lodge—another outstanding illustration of community-driven innovation. Through service integration and preventive care focus, the facility promotes wellness among residents, reduces strain on the NHS and supports communities beyond Whitehawk, including Moulsecoomb, Bevendean and surrounding areas. This forward-thinking, community-centered methodology contributes to NHS restoration following years of deterioration.

Genuine advancement is materializing—waiting lists have reached their lowest point in three years, accident and emergency waiting periods stand at their most favorable level in five years, and ambulance response intervals are the quickest recorded in half a decade. Further work remains, though progress continues in the correct direction.

Brighton and Hove Albion delivered positive developments this week with announcement of plans for a dedicated women’s football stadium—the first facility of its kind in the United Kingdom and Europe. The proposed 10,000-seat venue at Bennett’s Field adjacent to the Amex would establish our city as an international leader in women’s football. This represents a pivotal moment not merely for the club but for the broader expansion of women’s football. I take considerable pride in witnessing Brighton pioneer this development, and I am confident it will motivate the next generation of players and supporters.

As your parliamentary representative, my priority centers on guaranteeing our community receives necessary support for growth and prosperity. Whether securing governmental investment, assisting dedicated volunteers or collaborating with community bodies, I am here to unlock the existing potential throughout this constituency.