Sharing the prime spot on Passey Place this weekend with the Labour candidate, we shifted hundreds of balloons and leaflets and spoke to many residents concerned about rising taxes under Labour and NHS cuts. We also corrected some of the lies spread by Labour about Conservative plans for Sure Start (we will introduce an additional 4,200 staff rather than cuts), we will protect key benefits for pensioners and we will help raise standards in local schools.

I was pleased to have a team of 6 out with me in Middle Park & Sutcliffe today to carry out another street survey, in addition to teams in the other 6 wards in the constituency.  Another 2 teams were delivering leaflets in the ward.

Conducting our latest street survey in Eltham on Thursday evening we were very encouraged by the enthusiasm of residents when we knocked on dismay at the lack of job opportunities for people of all ages, the cuts to NHS services under Labour, the state of the economy, and uncontrolled immigration.  It's a good thing we have dedicated local Conservative candidates to fight for local people in our community.

The residents of Red Lion Lane, Shooters Hill, have really suffered with the traffic.  I have campaigned for three years to get a one way system in that road - and the Labour Council refused to do anything despite a petition from residents.  Then, with an election in the offing, local Labour councillors suddenly started to take an interest and organised another petition.  Guess what?  All of a sudden, the Council took notice and seeing the potential for votes, may introduce the much needed change.  I don't mind, as long as the residents get what they need and deserve.

On a recent street survey on the Middle Park estate I couldn't help but notice the disgraceful state of this phone box.  It's just one example, I've seen others in a similar state around the area.  Shouldn't the owners of these facilities have a responsibility to repair and maintain them?

I conduct street surveys most weekends and often during the week too.  This photo was taken on a survey in Eltham West ward with members of my team.

I try to stay in touch with local constituents through a variety of means - regular reports delivered through their letter box (at no charge to the tax payer), knocking on their door to have a chat, surveys mailed directly, emails, this website - and calling residents at home.  On this occasion I was fortunate to have a big team of volunteers to assist me, but usually it's more likely to be me sitting at home in an arm chair going through lists of numbers of people I have spoken to in the past to see whether the problems they told me about have been resolved.

I visited some of the shops along Bexley Road today with councillor Eileen Glover.  The small businesses there are struggling, no question.  As if the recession wasn't enough, the parking problems caused by an increase in students at the university is causing serious problems.  And now, with proposals for timed parking bays which are meant to help residents living in surrounding roads, there are even greater fears for this parade's future.  As one small business owner said to me this morning, if people only have 20 minutes to pick up a prescription, buy a pint of milk and pay a bill at the Post Office, it'll cost them a £60 fine when they overstay their parking space.

This is a massive problem, for residents and small businesses.  Some said the car parks at the Avery Hill campus are not being used as much as they could be since parking charges were introduced, but when I visited this morning they were both full to bursting.  I'm afraid the problem has been caused by the university expansion.  This is a problem we must solve, and quickly.  Otherwise it won't just be the recession that's to blame for shops closing in this parade.  The effect will be devastating to the whole community.

Europe is back on the political agenda and with the rumour mill in overdrive that after being landed with an unelected Labour Prime Minister we may now be lumbered with an unelected Labour President as well, this has never been more important.

I have invited the Shadow Minister for Europe, Mark Francois MP, to visit Eltham on Thursday 29th October to hear your views.  Please join us at St Luke's Church Hall, Westmount Road, from 7pm.  The meeting starts at 7.30pm.  All local residents are welcome to attend.  This is the latest in a series of public meetings and neighbourhood events I have arranged.  It is vital for the most senior politicians at Westminster to hear what people in Eltham think.  For too long we have been ignored or taken for granted.  I do not intend to allow that to continue.

I visited the farmers' market today, as I usually do if I'm around when it's on.  However, I think today's market was the smallest yet.  There were so few stalls the entire market neatly fitted in the furthest corner of Passey Place.  That said, I bought some goodies including freshly baked tomato bread, fresh vegetables, garlic cloves in oil and chilli - and a hot sausage baguette!  But my point is this: it seems the market is shrinking and becoming less popular.  Perhaps it is too much of a luxury in the current economic climate or maybe the timing of the market (one Sunday a month) is just not right.  Either way, I fear for the future.