LAST week, just before the half-term break, House of Commons business ended tamely with a smaller rebellion from Labour backbenchers than expected over the Terrorism Bill and a disappointing debate on Tackling Health Inequalities.

This turned out to be just an opportunity for opposing MPs to score party political points rather than offering original or constructive suggestions.

As I have contributed to four debates in the last few weeks I was not altogether surprised but highly frustrated not to be called to speak in this debate, although I sat hopefully in my place, leaping to my feet frequently, for well over three hours.

I cannot complain because, as one of only two Independent members in this parliament, the Speaker is very good to me especially on health issues - a huge advantage.

In contrast a party MP recently expressed his disappointment to me that it was a year since he had caught the Speaker's eye!

I met our new police commander, Chief Inspector Stacey Williamson, and heard from her about the results of some of the first PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings.

These have been quite well attended and have flagged up local concerns ranging from fear of crime in underpasses, excess alcohol consumption on canal towpaths, illegal parking, speed limit enforcement, uneven manhole covers and drug abuse.

PACT meetings are held at one to three monthly intervals in most areas and are advertised in the local press and by leaflets.

If you wish to raise concerns with the police or the council these meetings are designed just for you so Wyre Forest can become a real partnership between citizens and community organisations.

The police regard these meetings as vital to help them to know where to concentrate their efforts. Please look out for the next one in your area and go along to express concerns or satisfaction.

I hope these meetings will become a valued part of the lives of our communities.

On Monday more than 500 people from Wyre Forest and Hagley converged on the NEC as the only venue large enough for such a gathering.

I was invited to this meeting, organised by ContinU, the local consortium for forging partnerships between secondary schools, Kidderminster College, Connexions and local training providers, to join all the staff members to hear about the challenges of the imminent reforms for 14 to 19-year-old education.

ContinU has been set up to foster collaboration during this vital period of young people's education which will now offer as well as core subjects 14 specialist diplomas.

Education is intended now to start with the student rather than fitting the student into the existing curriculum.

Collaboration between all establishments is necessary to cover the diversity of subjects that will be available and then the aim will be to provide the right course for the right student at the right time.