Demonstrating the strength of feeling for the proposed new surgical centre at Musgrove Park Hospital, the response to my petition in support of the funding bid has already attracted tremendous support with more than 2,000 signatures already.

The community has really got behind this initiative collecting signatures by knocking on doors, sharing with friends and family, placing petition forms in business premises, GP practices, local churches and in the hospital itself.

As I’ve pointed out before, staff at Musgrove have done a sterling job working in some theatres which were built in the 1940s and only meant to be temporary but now are cramped and outdated.

To keep up with ever increasing demand a new 21st Century centre is essential.

The more signatures that can be gathered in support of the application for the £79 million project the stronger the case that can be made to Government for the planned eight new operating theatres, 22 critical care beds plus six endoscopy rooms with patient recovery and clinical support areas. So do keep the signatures coming in. I will present the petition to the House of Commons in March, so do contact my office on [email protected] if you would like to add your voice to it.

On an entirely different note I’m continuing my #GiveUpPlasticsForLent challenge. The aim is to cut down on single use plastics wherever possible and to highlight other options, for example using paper straws as opposed to plastic (or indeed no straws); to use a re-fillable water bottle rather than buying single use water bottles; to cut out plastic cutlery and to encourage premises that are plastic heavy to consider alternatives. I am also promoting a plastic free Parliament and am delighted to support Taunton deane Borough Council’s Plastic Charter and Somerset County Council’s plastic reduction initiative. We can all do our bit to bring about a cleaner, healthier environment, something this Government is committed to through the new 25 Year Environment Plan.

Rebecca Pow

MP for Taunton Deane