I have been glued to the telly watching the Olympics when I have time and I would like to congratulate all of Team GB for putting smiles on faces back home.

Some of the new mixed events have been a real treat for fans and I think they should stay in disciplines like the triathlon and swimming medley.

All this is making me even more excited for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It is now less than a year away and I know the entire West Midlands is looking forward to hosting thousands of athletes from around the globe in another celebration of sport and all the things that bring us together.

I have applied for tickets and fingers crossed I will get to see some live action with a crowd!

The parliamentary summer recess has started and this has given me a chance to get out in Stourbridge more. I have had a varied calendar of events from a tea and cake morning to a visit to an industrial estate to talk to companies about their Covid journey and recovery.

I also visited the grazing land at Wollaston Farm, which is earmarked for 90 homes in the draft Black Country Plan, and the land adjacent to Worcester Lane in Pedmore which is being considered as a site of 115 homes.

I met up with councillors Nic Barlow, Steve Clark and Alan Hopwood in Wollaston and councillors James Clinton, Ian Kettle and Angus Lee in Pedmore, alongside local campaign group Keep Pedmore Green to discuss these initial plans.

As many of you know, I believe in a brownfield first policy before our countryside is touched. I understand this may have to happen but not until all brownfield options are exhausted.

A consultation on the draft plan will now start on August 16. Anyone can register here and I urge everyone to do so. https://blackcountry.oc2.uk/register/process/0.

I hope everyone has adjusted to the ending of Covid regulations. It seems people have used their common sense and been respectful of others who would rather masks were worn. There has been no drama in Stourbridge and this shows the Government was right to ease restrictions and allow everyone to take personal responsibility.

I will continue to wear a mask if the situation dictates, such as a crowded room or a busy train, and if someone I visit asks me to.

Covid infections continue to fall across the country and this is the first time it has happened outside of a lockdown.

We are not out of the woods yet but as more people step forward for a jab, this virus continues to retreat. My plea is for young people to get the jab.