I hope you’ve all had a positive start to the new year.

Last week, I set out my key aims and objectives for 2026, and I want to take a moment to update you on two areas that I know matter to many people across the Forest of Dean: roads and transport, and support for parent carers, educators, and professionals working with children and young people with SEND.

Both issues come up time and time again when speaking to residents, and both need practical, long-term solutions. I am committed to tackling the traffic challenges we face locally and to pushing for meaningful reform of the SEND system, so that parent carers, educators, and professionals can feel the difference in real time.

On the 5th January, I met with National Highways to raise the concerns many of you shared with me at my recent public event. I’m pleased that we are working together to make sure the voice of the Forest of Dean is being heard loud and clear. This collaboration is about more than just conversations, though – it’s about creating real, lasting improvements for commuters and residents.

In the coming weeks, I will also be meeting with National Highways to discuss the A40, including the hatchings area that many of you have strong views on. I will keep you updated on progress within this column and online. We also discussed the daily commuter chaos in Chepstow, and I will be working closely with them to help to strive to implement available solutions.

There has also been some more immediate progress. I’m pleased that Highways has listened to your concerns regarding Allaston Road in Lydney. Resurfacing works will now take place earlier than planned, from 16 January to 10 February. I know how disruptive poor road conditions can be, and I’m grateful these works have been brought forward.

Alongside transport, SEND remains one of my top priorities. I know how hard many parent carers, educators, and professionals are working, often within a system that feels set against them. That’s why I am holding my third MP SEND Event, bringing parent carers together with educators, support services, and professionals in one place to drive practical, meaningful improvements ahead of government reform.

The event will take place on 26 February, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at a central Forest of Dean location. The evening will include professionals offering direct support to parent carers, alongside updates from me on government progress and my continued commitment to securing tangible improvements locally. If you would like to attend, please register your interest by emailing [email protected]. As always, I encourage you to keep an eye on my website at www.matt-bishop.org for regular updates on my meetings with National Highways, upcoming events, my work in Westminster, and other issues affecting the Forest of Dean.

I am fully committed to improving our roads and transport network and to fighting for better SEND support. I will continue listening, raising your concerns, and pushing for the changes our community deserves.