During the half term recess I had several useful meetings. 

With Trish Haines, the Chief Executive of the County Council, I discussed the future for Lickhill and Stourport Primary Schools following the result of the recent Ofsted inspection at Lickhill and the apparently conflicting Adjudicator's Report. 
We also discussed the developments on the Sladen School site following the delay announced by the Learning and Skills Council and the welcome postponement of the extensive road works in Bewdley (although the controversy about making Severnside South two-way when High Street is closed remains unresolved). 

I also told her about my work with Brinton's and Victoria Carpets, Sealine and Titan Steel Wheels to agree proposals to send to the Prime Minister for help for medium-sized businesses following my question to the PM on 11 February.

The proposals are for_

• a covenant relief scheme; 
• help with short time working and layoff pay, and 
• rates relief. 

I have passed them to the PM and relevant Ministers and we now wait for a response. I am grateful to the Managing and Financial Directors of the four firms mentioned above for their help.
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I was able to attend a Hospital League of Friends Committee meeting and was disappointed to hear of the League's exasperation at their difficulties with liaison with the Acute Hospitals Trust regarding support for Kidderminster Hospital. 
It only needs one named senior member of Trust staff to take on the responsibility of co-ordination between the League and the Trust relating to requests for help from the League for the problem to be solved.
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A meeting with Bewdley people living on top of the crumbling culvert of Snuff Mill Brook was very helpful to me in understanding the problem and trying to find a solution as the owners of the properties over the culvert are responsible for the repairs necessary even though they never knew of the culvert's existence, and in one case searches only a few months before the floods of June 2007 had failed to point out the presence of the culvert.
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Last Thursday I had an excellent lunch for £2 at Drumart House in Cookley thanks to The Community Housing Group who are doing a special offer of lunches prepared by the Cooking Pot at its Sheltered Housing schemes. This price will continue through a voucher scheme during March and April thanks to the support of partners in this venture. Information and vouchers can be obtained from Sarah on 01562 733069. 
The scheme is not only for residents but also for other local older or vulnerable people and provides a great opportunity for a super meal with a choice of menu and a chat.
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Back in London this week I had a debate on the government's new Cooperation and Competition Panel the functions of which are now out to consultation. As competition is an inevitable part of the NHS whether under a Labour or a Conservative government I hope this panel will be effective in ensuring transparency and a level playing field for tendering processes whether by NHS or non-HNS providers. 
That NHS providers can win has been shown by Worcester GPs who have won the contract for the new health centre in Worcester – most encouraging.