Jon attended the Annual Certificate Presentation on Friday 31 August which has been held for over 20 years at the Highfields Centre.

Speaking ahead of the Presentation Jon said:“I am honoured to be asked to present certificates to some of the adult learners who have studied at the Highfields Centre over the last year. I am particularly pleased to be presenting certificates to learners who have been awarded certificates in ESOL given my campaign last year against the government's plan to severely restrict eligibility for full fee remission.”

120 of the nearly 500 learners who have studied at the Highfields Centre over the last year will be awarded certificates

.In addition to Jon Ashworth, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Abdul Osman, who is a former Chair of the Highfields Community Association, and Dr Iris Lightfoote, the Chief Executive of The Race Equality Centre in Leicester, who is the current Vice Chair of the Highfields Community Association, presented certificates, with the highlight being the Student of the Year award.

Jon presented certificates to learners who have been awarded ESOL certificates, and certificates in Functional Skills, such as maths, literacy and sewing and garment making.

Earlier in the year residents of Park Vale Road sent Jon a petition on the on-going anti-social behaviour in and around Spinney Hill Park.

Jon stated:“Since I received the petition I have contacted the police and the City Council on more than one occasion. As a result the installation of CCTV cameras in Spinney Hill Park has recently been approved and the City Council's Community Safety Team will now cover Spinney Hill Park.”

“Although it is hoped these developments will lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to properties in the area, as the local MP I was keen to meet with the residents and see at first hand the damage caused.”

Jon visited the community event on Bushy Park, Kamloops Crescent.

Before the visit Jon said: “I’m really looking forward to attending the Community Park Day which has been organised by The Contact Project along with other local organisations on the Estate.”

“I’m reliably told it is the biggest event on the Estate. It is great to see the community come together like this and hopefully the hot weather will continue until Friday.”

At the Community Park Day there were stage acts, including the fantastic St Matthew’s Got Talent Show, bouncy castles, face painting, nail art, fun family activities, games, information stalls and much more.

Sue Graham, from The Contact Project, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Crime Stoppers, Stride, local area JAG, Taylor Road Primary School, Leicester City Council and the Community Ward Committee for providing financial support for this event. We and the community are looking forward to Jon attending - it will be a great day for all.”

Right, photos taken at the event, click any for enlargement.

Jon Ashworth spent time on Eyres Monsell Estate with police officers on Friday 24 August.

Speaking ahead of his visit 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 time on the beat in Eyres Monsell to hear from the police what is happening in the area and to meet and listen to constituents about any issues they have.”

“I recently undertook a survey in the area I'm visiting and 92% of respondents stated that there should be more police on the streets. Unfortunately, the government does not agree with this and figures released earlier this month show that the number of police officers has dropped by nearly 10,000 under the Tory-led government, which represents the lowest number of police officers on the streets in nearly a decade.”

Jon was out and about with the police around the park on Hillsborough Road, known locally as ‘Glen Park, and the streets in the area.

Jon commented:“I 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 nearly 200 Police Officers locally.”

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth fasted for the day on Wednesday 15 August to learn more about Ramadan and show his support to the local Muslim community.

Jon Ashworth said: “Ramadan is such an important spiritual time of year for thousands of families across Leicester. I wanted to both show my support to the local Muslim community but also experience for myself fasting – although I am only attempting it for one day”

“I started the day early in the morning and finished the day by breaking the fast at local mosque, Masjid Umar.”

“After that I attended a community inter-faith Iftaar at the St Philip's Centre, Leicester organised jointly by the Leicester Federation of Muslim Organisations and the St Philip's Centre.”

“But like many Muslims across Leicester I was going about my usual day at work and was in the office dealing with the many constituency issues I deal with on a day to day basis.”

“I am immensely proud that Leicester is a City of such diversity where we celebrate all the major religious festivals. It was an experience taking part in Ramadan in my own small way for a day. I learnt so much though it was a challenge for someone such who me has never fasted before.”

Jon said: “We are hearing reports of the most appalling sectarian violence towards Muslims in Burma.”

“I have written to the Foreign Secretary asking what pressure the international community can put on Burma to stop these atrocities. We are hoping the Foreign Secretary will agree to meet a delegation of MPs and I hoping we will have an opportunity to raise these matters urgently in Parliament after recess."

Jon attended a multi faith vigil on Sunday 12 August in memory of the six people who were killed last week in the shooting at a Gurdwara in Wisconsin, USA.

There were representatives from all faiths in attendance at the vigil held outside the Town Hall including Councillor Manjula Sood, Chair of the Leicester Council of Faiths.

Jon stated: “It was tragic what happened in Wisconsin, and I wanted to demonstrate my sympathies with the Sikh community in Leicester, and representatives from all the faiths in the City.”

Jon Ashworth joined the Sikh community in prayer in memory of their fellow worshippers at the vigil, which was organised by Councillor Manjula Sood and Councillor Inderjit Gugnani with the support of the Leicester Sikh Alliance.

Jon Ashworth led the procession from Goldhill Adventure Playground to the Aylestone Recreation Ground before officially opening the Fete at Midday.

The theme of this year's Saffron Fete was ‘Aspire 2012 – What Makes Britain Great'.

Jon stated: “I really enjoyed attending the Fete last year and it was great leading the procession this year. I know that many people have been busy designing and making their costumes at the Linwood Centre and Goldhill for a number of weeks.”

“I was delighted to be asked to officially open such an important community event.”

At the Fete there were stage acts, including the fantastic Saffron's Got Talent Show, hot and cold food, fun family activities, games, small fair rides, information stalls, sports and much more.

The Saffron Fete ran from 11am to 4pm.

Kellie Bugby, from Saffron Arts Forum, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of organising the Saffron Summer Fete 2012. It has not been as easy to get funding to cover the event this year as in previous years, but it is such an important event for the whole community to enjoy that we couldn't give up on it.”

“The Fete gives local people the opportunity to get involved in their community and find out what things are available locally and meet new people, showcase their talents on stage and raise the profile of local organisations.”

Jon Ashworth met residents of Featherstone Drive who contacted him over parking issues in the area.

Jon stated: “As well as writing to the City Council, I decided it was best to visit Featherstone Drive, meet with local residents and see for myself the difficulties caused by people parking on the grass verges.”

“I have been told that people in mobility scooters, or with pushchairs, often cannot use the footpaths and have been forced onto the road because of people parking on the grass verges and footpaths.”

“As a possible solution to the problem is the installation of lay-bys, Councillor Cleaver, who is one of the Councillors for the area, joined me on the visit.”