Hexham MP Joe Morris has begun a summer tour of the constituency after residents used his first street surgeries to raise concerns about rural potholes, bin collections and road safety.
The tour began with visits to Whitfield, Carrs Mill, Ayle, Slaggyford and Halton Lea Gate. Morris said the first day gave him the opportunity to speak directly with constituents about the issues affecting their communities.
Among the practical concerns raised were rural roads that residents believe are not receiving the attention they need, problems with bin collections in the west of Northumberland and safety at blind junctions.
Issues raised in rural communities
In his column, Morris said conversations had covered both local services and wider political issues. Residents also discussed the situation in the Middle East and their views on national politics, alongside concerns closer to home.
He said people across the constituency want action on the cost of living, transport, housing and employment. His column identified a desire for lower living costs, better transport connections, secure and affordable homes, good job opportunities and stronger prospects for younger people.
The MP said the summer tour would take him to communities across the constituency, including Throckley, Ayle, Byrness and Shotleyfield. He said the purpose was to ensure the issues he raises in Parliament reflect what residents are telling him locally.
Morris described being a constituency MP as a responsibility to remain visible, active and willing to listen. He also criticised previous politicians whom he said had taken the constituency for granted, arguing that local communities had suffered when the area was left out of political decision-making.
What happens after the summer recess
Morris said he would take forward the issues raised with him after the summer recess. He said he would challenge Northumberland authorities where he believed the council was failing communities in the area, and would work with MPs from different parties to press Whitehall and government officials on longer-term structural problems.
The column also highlighted two themes that Morris said residents consistently raise regardless of their political views: dissatisfaction with the current economic and political status quo, and concern for the climate and local environment.
He referred to farmers caring for the landscape, voluntary groups concerned about the condition of rivers and streams, and community organisations considering how to respond to the climate crisis. He said the Allen Valleys and the landscapes around Hadrian’s Wall should be protected.
Morris also expressed disappointment over Conservative Party decisions involving Kemi Badenoch and Grant Shapps, arguing that they suggested the Conservatives no longer cared about climate action. Those comments formed part of the wider political discussion in his column rather than a new local council or government announcement.
How residents can contact the MP
The summer tour is continuing through the week. Morris said he would post daily updates on social media showing where he was visiting and where he would go next.
His office remains open during the parliamentary recess. Constituents seeking help with an issue can contact the office by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01434 614720.