Christmas is such a special time of year where we celebrate the birth of Christ and spend important time with family and friends.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my 7 month old daughter, my wife and all the extended family.

But I also know Christmas can be a difficult time of year so please don't feel alone. The hardworking volunteers at the Samaritans of Leicester on 08457 90 90 90 are there to help.

Jon Ashworth MP opened the Saff and Neston Gardens Christmas Fete at the Kingfisher on Wednesday 21 December which was organised by residents, local Councillors and community workers.

Following the negative portrayal of The Saffron Lane Estate and Neston Gardens on a TV documentary earlier this year, Jon Ashworth and Councillors suggested to local residents that we come together to demonstrate the true community spirit of the Estate.

Jon Ashworth commented: “Many local residents thought the portrayal of the Saffron Lane estate and Neston Gardens on the Tonight programme was unfair. That's why last summer following a community clean up day in the area Councillors and I organised, we decided to pull together this Christmas event to show there is in fact a real community spirit on the Saff and Neston Gardens.”

“I know Baroness Newlove is not able to make the event but I'm sure she would agree it's a brilliant example of how there is a strong community on the Saffron Lane Estate.”

“I really want to congratulate all the residents who have worked so hard to make this event happen but especially May Jones and Councillor Elly Cutkelvin who between them have been the driving force in organising this Christmas Fete at the Kingfisher.”

Councillor Cutkelvin stated: “Following the negative image of the area created by the ‘Tonight' programme, the Kingfisher event shows the real Saff – one that the local community can be very proud of. The Christmas event is in the Neston Gardens and Neston Road area of the Estate which had a reputation for anti social behaviour but has changed beyond all recognition over recent years.”

Jon Ashworth has today written to the Prime Minister to seek his intervention following the decision of Leicestershire Police Authority that Leicester businesses affected by disturbances during the riots in August this year will not be entitled to claim compensation for damage caused.

In his letter to the Prime Minister Jon Ashworth points out that many Leicester business people whose property had been damaged during the disturbances in Leicester felt reassured by his remarks in the House of Commons on 11 August 2011 when he said: “Any individual, homeowner or business that has suffered damage to or loss of their buildings or property as a result of rioting, can seek compensation under the Riots Damage Act.”

Jon commented: “Although not on the scale as in other cities, businesses in Leicester still experienced large groups of people attacking their properties and have had to pay excess charges on insurance policies which will not now be reimbursed.

Jon said “It was a pleasure and a privilege to be the guest speaker at the Chanukah Lighting in the Town Hall on the first night of Chanukah where the first of the 8 candles was lit.

Jon Ashworth MP today called on the Government to add Leicester to list of core cities set to get new powers.

Today the government announced that 8 core cities are set to get extra powers, those cities are Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield.

Speaking in the Commons today, Jon called for Leicester to be added to the list so could local people here in Leicester can benefit too.

After raising the issue with the Minister Jon said ‘We are the major City of the East Midlands, we are renown across the world for our vibrancy and diversity and we are leading the way by being the largest major city outside of London with our own directly elected Mayor.

“I'm deeply disappointed that Leicester is not considered a core city and I will be pressing Ministers to add us to the list of core cities so Leicester can benefit from these enhanced powers.”


Click here to visit the Parliamentary page to read more and to view televised debate in the House of Commons.

Jon Ashworth MP called in to talk with people at the Eyres Monsell's Christmas Fayre on Saturday.

Jon said “I was delighted to drop into the Eyres Monsell Christmas Fayre on Saturday. There was a great atmosphere and fun for all the family, I know my wife and daughter enjoyed it.

There was some brilliant stalls selling Christmas gifts, though I probably ate one too many mince pies and the mulled wine wasn't bad either!”

The Eyres Monsell Christmas Fayre was held at Eyres Monsell Community Centre in Eyres Monsell.

Jon is pictured with Eyres Monsell residents Ann Mills, Sue Bates, and Jean Hall.

Click photo for enlargement

Jon Ashworth MP supports campaign to ‘save local radio' and speaks up for BBC Radio Leicester.

Jon joined up with campaigners outside BBC Radio Leicester demonstrating against planned BBC local radio cuts. The proposals would mean BBC Radio Leicester cut by up to 20 per cent forcing reductions in staff and output.

Radio Leicester would also be forced to share afternoon programming with Radio Nottingham and Derby.

Jon said “We are all rightly proud of BBC Radio Leicester – it is the oldest local radio station in the country – and the quality of its output and journalism is second to none.

It is valued by residents across the City and County and provides a vital public service. Whether it's at times of a big freeze or when the city experienced disturbances such as this past summer, BBC Radio Leicester provides a key role in getting important up to date information out to people.

“Equally I also know from my own appearances on Radio Leicester that they provide important balanced scrutiny of our local politicians – that's absolutely vital in a democracy."

“I've spoken in Parliament against these cuts to our local radio station and I was delighted to lend my support to the campaign. We have to save BBC Radio Leicester!”

Jon Ashworth paid a surprise visit to Avenue Primary School to award a prize to his Christmas Card Competition Winner.

“I'm delighted so many schools took part in my Christmas card competition this year."

“This year's winner is Charlotte Schofield, aged 9½. Her winning design depicts a snowman and a Christmas tree on a beautiful snowy landscape. I have been looking forward to calling in at Avenue Primary's School assembly on Friday morning and surprising Charlotte by awarding her a prize for winning my competition this year."

“I want to thank all the school children who took part – all the designs were brilliant. I also congratulate all the runners up whose designs will also be featured on the Christmas card as well."

“And here's hoping we have a White Christmas this year as depicted on Charlotte's design!”

The runners up will all receive a certificate from Jon as well and their designs will be featured on the back of the Christmas card too.

The runners up are;
a. Morgan Leah Hardington, aged 9, of Granby Primary School.
b. Megija Subevica, aged 6, of Hazel Community Primary School.
c. Elizabeth Parker, aged 8, of Montrose Primary School.
d. Arlo Mulligan-Vassel, aged 8, of St. Thomas More Primary School.