Eid al-Futr is a special time of year, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – the month of prayer, reflection and fasting; of charity, service and giving.

It gives people the chance to think about those who are less fortunate than themselves, something which has an even greater significance this year with the devastating drought in East Africa.

I wish all the Muslims of Leicester South a very happy, peaceful and prosperous and Eid.

Eid Muburak to All

Jon Ashworth

Leicester South Labour MP, Jon Ashworth, visits the Eyres Monsell Community Centre today, Thursday 25 August.

Jon attended the weekly Thursday coffee morning along with local Councillors Virginia Cleaver and Deputy City Mayor Rory Palmer.

Jon stated: “I was looking forward to meeting people at the coffee morning which I understand has been running for a number of years. As well as chatting to local residents, and taking up any issues they may have, I hoped to have a game of bingo with them.”

Eyres Monsell Community Centre re-opened earlier this year following a £90,000 refurbishment.

Jon commented: “I have visited the Community Centre since its refurbishment, but I am looking forward to seeing the Centre being used by the local community and meeting the different agencies based there.”

Today Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, went on the beat with Police officers in the Highfields and Spinney Hills Park area.

This beat walk, which followed similar events earlier in the week, was in the Spinney Hill Park Local Policing Unit which has seen an overall 5% fall in crime.

Jon went on the beat with Neighbourhood Sergeant Chauhan Sanjay and PC Tom Walkinshaw, and was accompanied by local Labour Councillor, Dr Chowdhury.

The effectiveness of neighbourhood policing, with the local Bobby being regular seen walking around the areas, was clear to see.

Jon commented: “During the hour I spent on the beat, it was clear that the local community has plenty of respect for the Police, and the Police for the community.”

“I understand from the Police that as well as the ‘Bobby on the Beat' benefitting community relationships, it also increases the local knowledge of the Police which can be vital in the fight against crime.”

“Unfortunately, it is this high visibility presence on the street that may come under threat when the cuts to Leicestershire Constabulary take hold.”

“But what is clear is that the Police work well with all the different communities in my Constituency Leicester, and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to see this for myself on the ground.”

Today, Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, attended a patch walk at Tic Toc Park on the Saffron Lane Estate.

Speaking ahead of his ‘patch walk' Jon said: “Although it's Parliamentary Recess that doesn't mean the job of representing local people stops. That is why I've organised this ‘patch walk' in the Constituency with local agencies, including the police, to talk to constituents about any issues on their mind.”

At Tic Toc Park Jon was accompanied by representatives of Leicester City Council Housing Department and the Parks Service, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the local City Warden, local police and the two Ward Councillors.

Jon stated: “It is hoped that this patch walk around the Park, and meeting local residents, will be the first step in establishing a local park users group to help residents and agencies make improvements to Tic Toc Park and reduce the incidents of anti social behaviour.”

During the patch walk Jon met with local residents to find out how they would like the park improving and changing, and if there were any other issues they would like him to take up.

Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, takes part in the Community Clean Up Day on Neston Gardens and goes on the beat with the Police.

Jon took up in the Community Clean Up Day which helped residents of Neston Gardens to dispose of large and small items, some of which had been in their gardens or back yards.

Jon commented: “It was good seeing so many people at Neston Gardens, including local residents, helping to clear away large items and giving their time to help tidy the common areas.”

In addition to the local Councillor, Elly Cutkelvin, Jon was accompanied by Housing Officers, City Wardens, officers from the Fire Brigade, local residents and local Bobbies and PCSOs.

Jon commented: “I am aware that key agencies, including the Police and the City Council Housing Department, and local residents have worked hard to reduce the problem of anti social behaviour in the Neston Gardens. A key driver in this achievement was the Neston Action Group which successfully campaigned for new security doors for each block of flats and for new bollards between Neston Road and Heathcott Road, to name just two of the Group's successes.”

After helping out with the Community Clear Up, Jon met May Jones, the former Chair of Neston Action Group, to listen to her views on how the area has improved and how to make further improvements to the area. Jon also went on the beat with Sergeant PC Darren Little and PCSO Lindsey Bones. Jon stated: “In the last fortnight we've seen what a superb job our Police Officers on the front line do. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”

“I also know how valued the Police are by the community which is why I'm very concerned about the Government cuts to policing which will see us losing over 200 Police Officers locally.

Jon took part in the Khidmah Show on Leicester's own Radio Ramadan and wished listeners a very happy Ramadan Muburak.

Jon spent an hour at FMO Leicester's own Ramadan Radio station on Saturday along with Assistant Mayor Mohammed Darwood.

Khidmah Organisation is a Leicester based community organisation which engages young people in the community.

Jon said “I was delighted to take part in the radio show along with Assistant Mayor Mohammed Dawood to talk about how we engage young people in politics and community activity.

“It's great that here in Leicester, we have our own Radio Ramadan thanks to the FMO. I was also pleased to take part in Khidmah's show because I know what a positive contribution to our community Khidmah make.

“And of course I was also delighted to have the opportunity to wish all listeners in Leicester and beyond a very happy Ramadan Mubarak.”

Leicester South Labour MP Jon Ashworth will be attending the Saffron Fete on Saturday 20 August which has a science fiction theme this year.

The Annual Fete starts with a procession from Goldhill Adventure Playground to the Aylestone Recreation Ground before being officially opened by the City Mayor at midday.

Jon stated: “This is my first time attending the Fete and I will have a stall on the Recreation Ground. I hope people will come along and get a balloon or play my ‘Find ET Game'.”

The Fete will have live music, dancing, stalls and a huge range of children's attractions. It runs from midday to 4pm.

Jon commented: “I am looking forward to a really fun day out in the sunshine, but if people want to raise any concerns with me I'll be more than happy to assist in any way I can.”

Right: some of the photos taken at the fete on Saturday.

Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South pays Clockwise a visit and signs up as a member of the successful credit union.

Jon Ashworth MP said: “Given the growing concern that a large number of the poorest in society are falling prone to the high cost of credit market and illegal loan sharking, I wanted to see for myself the work of a very successful credit union that operates across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I recently raised this in the House of Commons and voted along with other Labour MPs for a review of high cost credit.”


The Credit Union, that was to become known as Clockwise in 2002, was established in 1992 in the Highfields area of the City and was known as Highfields Credit Union.

Clockwise currently has just under 6,000 members, over a 1,000 of whom are in Jon's Constituency of Leicester South.

Jon commented: “Meeting the Manager of Clockwise, Jo Purdy, and the Chair of the Board, John Wood, and learning about the work of Clockwise and the range of safe and ethical saving options was very beneficial.”

In addition to the head office at 1 St Nicholas Place, Clockwise has an office at 4 Market Place in Melton and a number of community based collection and information points. Clockwise depends on volunteers to run the community based collection and information points.

Jon stated: “By saving regularly you are reinvesting in the future of your community with the savings used to provide members with access to great value loans. That's why I too am delighted to be joining Clockwise, becoming part of this excellent Credit Union.”

“I you would like to becoming a member of Clockwise or volunteer please telephone 0116 242 3900 or go the website at www.clockwise-cu.co.uk.”

Jon Ashworth MP celebrates India Independence Day with Leicester's Gujarat Hindu Association.

Jon attended the event at Belgave Neighbourhood Centre along with Leicester's Directly Elected Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby.

Speaking at the event Jon said: “I'm here to join with you in celebrating India's Independence Day. 64 years ago as Nehru said ‘India awoke to life and freedom and discovered herself again.' It was Mark Twain who described India as the ‘cradle of the human race', the ‘birthplace of speech' and ‘the mother of history.'”

“India and the Indian community have contributed so much to Leicester. As Leicester South's MP and working with our City MPs, Mayor and City Council I will continue to build on that historic relationship in the future as well.”

Jon and his wife, Emilie, joined in the fun on the last day of this year's event at de Montfort Hall and Gardens.

Summer Sundae began as a one day event in 2001 and now spans three days.

Jon commented: “It was a great day out - the weather was good and I enjoyed meeting friends old and new. As a local resident I am keen to support my local community.”

“I particularly enjoyed Salford legend John Cooper Clarke and Emilie enjoyed dancing to Example.”

What we have seen last night by a small minority is shocking and though we have not witnessed the criminality of the scale of other cites, there must be no excuse for the destruction, burglary and vandalism our city experienced last night. I utterly condemn these acts of thuggish violence and criminality.

My thoughts are with all the victims who been affected by this such as the business owners in the City Centre and especially the elderly people who rely on Age Concern.

The most serious act of vandalism last night was the torching of the Age Concern bus that many elderly and frail rely on to get to daycare. This 17 seater bus has been totally destroyed and will cost up to £50,000 to replace.

This is totally unacceptable. That's why I am appealing for people to support Age Concern locally either by making direct donations or helping Age Concern find a replacement bus. If people want to donate to Age Concern they should call 0116 299 2233.

I also want to commend the bravery of the police in Leicester who have been consistently excellent on the frontline in dealing with the disorder last night and remain vigilant today. We owe them a debt of gratitude

It is essential that we have both leadership and order.  When Parliament is recalled tomorrow I will be pressing the Prime Minister to confirm that here in Leicester we will have all resources needed to support our Police and other agencies in dealing with these incidents.

We now need focused support so that victims of these crimes get the support they need quickly. That means the Government working with the insurance industry to put in place fast track procedures with immediate effect so that individuals and businesses making claims do not have to wait for the money they need to start putting things right.

Secondly if needed I hope Leicester City Council is given access to funds from central government to address the damage to public spaces and to provide the immediate support for those innocent victims of this violence who have seen their small businesses damaged.

The Government and the police have responsibilities, but so too do parents.  We should not have young people and children, roaming the streets of our cities at night. 

Finally the vast majority of people in this country and our city are decent and law abiding. 

Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, was at the Aylestone Hall Garden Party on yesterday, Sunday 31 July.

This annual community event in the grounds of Aylestone Hall included a jazz band, gospel choir, storytelling and cream teas.

Jon, who attended the event with his wife, Emilie, and their two month old daughter, Gracie, said: “I had an enjoyable afternoon with my family and met old and new friends. And the good weather helped make a wonderful day for all of us.”

The event was organised by the City Council's Parks Service in conjunction with the resident bowls club and the Friends of Aylestone Gardens.

Jon commented: “I understand that the money raised at the Garden Party is to be donated to Leicestershire Kidney Patients' Association which supports renal patients and the people who support them.”

Right: some of the photos taken yesterday.