I know I say it often, but the strength of the Forest of Dean lies within its people, and last week showed just that.

The neighbouring wildfires near Ebbw Vale understandably brought some concerning moments for us all but equally demonstrated the solidarity and resilience of our community in times of crisis. The smell of smoke across our local area last week raised significant alarm amongst many of you. I was pleased that the fire service was able to confirm with me that this was from a wildfire near Ebbw Vale in Wales. This ruled out fears of a nearer fire in our Forest, and I was as relieved as you to hear this news.

For those of you with family or friends closer to the Welsh border, I recognise that this still proves a troubling time, and my thoughts are with all those impacted. The National Fire Chiefs Council’s Wildfire Aware website https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/campaigns/wildfire-aware/ contains further information on UK wildfires. It also provides prevention and protection advice, which is becoming increasingly important considering the changes we are experiencing in the UK climate.

I want to thank the fire emergency services for their response to the crisis, as their swift action and professionalism helped control the situation and reassure our community. I also want to thank all of you for your understanding and responsiveness regarding my initial statement online, as this allowed the emergency services to carry out their response as quickly and effectively as possible.

I was proud to welcome Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, to the Forest of Dean and showcase our fantastic community. We had the opportunity to speak to some of you settled in your new, quality homes in Berry Hill, an initiative led by Two Rivers Housing that has delivered 17 new affordable social homes on a Rural Exemption Site. It was good to see the tangible benefits of this government’s hard work for local families and individuals, and I am pleased to see these homes delivered for the people of the Forest of Dean.

These Rural Exemption Sites are central to developing affordable housing on smaller sites near our village boundaries that would otherwise struggle to get planning permission. These local parish and council-led sites have been really successful, and they offer an achievable alternative for areas in which social housing is too often neglected. This not only plays a crucial role in tackling the housing crisis in our rural areas but also helps to recentre focus in our communities for those that need it most.

I would like to thank Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP for joining me on such a meaningful visit, as well as those of you who gave up your time to speak with us and share your stories of the difference these Rural Exemption Sites have made.

I will continue working to deliver meaningful change for our constituency, whether that be in development or times of crisis, and serve the community that makes the Forest of Dean the wonderful place it is.