David Ruffley

David Ruffley MP, together with over 30 health campaigners from across the county, today collected over 1200 signatures in support of Suffolk's ailing NHS at stands in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

Supported by local councillors from St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and Suffolk County Council, David Ruffley manned a stall on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds between 9.45am and 1pm to show his support for hard working health professionals across Suffolk.

David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Welfare Reform, has today given his backing to the Countryside Alliance campaign to secure the future of the Post Office Network.

Suffolk Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) recently expressed their concern that up to 50 village post offices in Suffolk and Essex could be under threat if the Government decides to halt its financial support to the rural network in March 2008.

David Ruffley MP has today given his backing to the Friends of Riverwalk a newly formed charity with the aim of raising £15,000 per year to fund the annual summer school play scheme at Riverwalk School.

Riverwalk is a school catering for children with severe and profound learning difficulties from across Suffolk. Many have autistic spectrum disorder, whilst others have complex physical needs and suffer from chronic illness.

The play scheme runs for four weeks of the summer school holiday. The aim is to provide children with a fun and friendship in a safe environment.

David Ruffley MP has reacted with dismay to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report, published yesterday, which states that delays in administering the single payment scheme cost UK farmers up to £22.5 million.

The NAO found that the costs related to additional interest and arrangement fees on loans.

The National Farmers Union has said that delays and poor performance in the implementation of the scheme has caused its members distress and anxiety.

The NAO concluded that the Government's Rural Payments Agency difficulties arose from:

David Ruffley MP will be attending a meeting with Suffolk farmers and NFU representatives on Friday 6 October at 3.30pm.

David keeps in regular contact with farmers across his constituency and ensures he is continually updated on the problems facing the community in an increasingly competitive environment.

David said:

'It is always incredibly worthwhile to meet with Suffolk's farming community.

'This is a difficult time for farming but we have some fantastic local produce here in Suffolk and farmers are the lifeblood of our local economy.

David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Welfare Reform, will be visiting Stowmarket Community Resource Centre on Friday 6 October.

Operated by East Suffolk Mind, the centre offers a safe and friendly environment, alongside social activities and support.

The centre is open to anyone, but in particular people who have experienced mental health problems, emotional distress or who feel isolated.

New visitors to the centre have an initial goal planning session with staff to determine how the centre can best be of use.

David said:

Nationally Royal Mail has decided to bring forward the last collection at around 19,000 post boxes in towns and villages by as much as seven hours.

David Ruffley today expressed his outrage at what is happening in Suffolk.

David said:

'Replying to a letter or a bill by 'return of post' has been made impossible for many people in Suffolk, who do not receive their daily delivery until hours after their local post box has been collected.

David Ruffley MP will be manning a stall on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday 14 October between 9.45am and 1pm, to protest against cutbacks in our NHS and to show his support for hard working health professionals across Suffolk.

Supported by local councillors from St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and Suffolk County Council, David will be listening to the concerns of local people and urging them to sign a petition to save Suffolk's health services from further cutbacks.

David Ruffley MP will be at the West Suffolk College Graduation Ceremony at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral on Saturday 30 September.

West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds currently has 600 undergraduates and around 100 graduates will be granted Honours Degrees and other Higher Education qualifications at the ceremony.

David said:

'It will be a great pleasure to attend the West Suffolk College Graduation Ceremony.

'Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area has benefited hugely through the provision of higher education facilities at the College.

David Ruffley MP will be attending a Veterans' Day Lunch at County Upper School at 1.30pm on Saturday 30 September.

David will be giving a brief talk shortly after lunch.

Organised by Guards Veteran, Mr Arthur Smith, the event will involve pupils from the school and give attendees the opportunity to see military vehicles and uniforms.

David said:

'I would like to congratulate Arthur Smith on organising a thoroughly worthwhile event.