As I have said many times before, we are very fortunate in Radlett and Bushey to have the best of both worlds – green open spaces and easy access to London.

Individual planning decisions are rightly decided by the Borough Council. I try to play my part by being a voice for local people, advocating for green space protection at the national level and working to bring different organisations together when we face challenges. So, for example, I have lobbied Ministers to guarantee green-belt protections in legislation, worked to save Aldenham Reservoir and fought every step of the proposals for a rail freight terminal near Radlett.

Most recently, hundreds of us turned out at the meeting on the future of Bushey Country Club. This is a much loved asset in our area and the turnout was an impressive testament to our sense of community. I am disappointed that the Club has to close. I know people are angry about how we arrived at this point and there are lessons to be learned about what should have been done differently. Residents rightly questioned those responsible.

For me the challenge is what we do from now. I am clear that we must maintain the green open spaces of the Club and that the Council should engage with residents at every stage of the process to find a new use for the site. If we get this right, the community can seize the opportunity to actually create greater public access and new village facilities.

I was pleased by the reassurances on this given by the representatives from Hertsmere Borough Council, including Chief Executive Donald Graham and Council Leader Morris Bright.

Plans will now start coming forward under a group chaired by Borough Councillor Paul Morris and I will continue to use my position to make sure that residents’ voices are heard as the future of the site is decided. I urge everyone to get involved as well.