During a walk through the High Street in Eltham it was terrific to have so many people wanting to stop and talk about issues ranging from the lack of jobs for skilled workers to education standards in Greenwich. There was an overwhelming feeling that we need a change of direction here in Eltham and across the country.

It's certainly been a cold start to the new decade but what has struck me is that for all those who will find any excuse to get an extra day off work, plenty more deserve medals for their determination - and their kindness.  Many people have checked on neighbours, even helping them to clear the pavements outside their homes.  Many more have discovered the joy of sharing taxis from railway stations and car sharing to get to work.  But I think the thousands of people who work in essential services deserve most praise for keeping the country going.  Despite the disruption in most parts of the UK, here in London trains, buses and taxis are still running, mail and newspapers are being delivered, shops still have food, GP surgeries and hospitals remain open, and most businesses remain open. Yes, most services are disrupted or reduced, but the general mood is "Keep calm and carry on" - which is how it should be.

However, once this long cold spell is over, I hope the authorities from Greenwich Council upwards will review their procedures.  Too many residents have felt cut off, not only in higher areas such as Shooters Hill but even close to the High Street in Eltham where I live.  The lack of gritting on pavements in high use areas has been appalling and many roads remain dangerous.  Do we have sufficient stocks of grit and salt, should householders be better prepared to muck in?  It never hurts to admit things can be done better and to learn from experience.

I had the pleasure of returning to Blackheath Halls today for a meeting to discuss funding, and the huge amount of work done in partnership with the local community.  I originally visited in the Summer when I attended the Community Opera, a great occasion that brought together children from a number of local schools on stage with professional and amateur opera performers.  Today I popped in to hear the final rehearsals for a performance of The Turn of the Seasons, performed by children from local schools.  Their singing - and behaviour - was fantastic!

Although the Halls receives some funding from both Greenwich and Lewisham Councils, most of their income is from concerts and hire fees and the generosity of supporters.  This is a fantastic facility in the heart of the local community.  If you've yet to visit, do so soon!

It's been another very busy week - as it always is when Bank Holiday cuts in, as you seem to still have a week's worth of work but one less working day to fit it all into!

The highlight was a private visit to the British Library where I was honoured to be among a very small party given a tour of the Henry VIII : Man and Monarch exhibition.  It was my first visit to the British Library, and I cannotrecommend it highly enough.  Although that specific exhibition closes this Sunday, there are many other treasures you could see such as the Magna Carta or Beatles lyrics.  What's so good is that the building is modern and has been designed to make visitors feel very welcome and comfortable.

It's been a busy week too in the constituency, hearing concerns about everything from anti-social behaviour in Middle Park to the apparent absence of road sweepers.  At other times this week, my colleagues have been out in various parts of the constituency following up issues and this afternoon I have a stack of correspondence to catch up with.

If you are a resident in the Eltham constituency and would like me or a colleague to visit for a chat, please get in touch.  I am always pleased to hear from residents, no matter how trivial you might think the issue is.  I firmly believe that if we could tackle the little things in life, many of the bigger problems would not exist.

Middle Park Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted here or in an emergency please dial 999.  Cleansweep can be contacted using the details here.