Ellie Chowns MP for North Herefordshire

Public Meeting in Ledbury 26th June 2026

Gill Bullock — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:13:08 +0000

Dr Ellie Chowns MP invites all North Herefordshire constituents to a Public Meeting on Friday, 26th June 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at John Masefield High School in Ledbury. This event is part of Ellie’s ongoing commitment to staying closely connected with the people she represents after a quartet of market town meetings across the constituency in 2025.

Following the 2025 Public Meetings, where Ellie heard directly from dozens of residents about local priorities and concerns, Ellie is eager to continue those vital conversations in Ledbury. Reflecting on her work since being elected, during which she has made hundreds of visits to local businesses, schools, care providers, nature preserves, and more across North Herefordshire, Ellie said:

“Whether it’s about local concerns like rural transport links, national issues such as social care access, or bold ideas for the future of our communities, I value every opportunity to hear what’s on the minds of North Herefordshire residents.

“These public meetings give us another opportunity to talk through your questions and suggestions, and I look forward to meeting more of you in Ledbury.”

The evening will be a friendly and welcoming affair, with doors opening at 6:30pm for tea, coffee, and biscuits – before the meeting begins at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to come along, have a chat with Ellie, and raise any topics—from parish-level issues to wider policy questions—that they feel need attention. There’s the opportunity to submit written questions on the night or ask a question from the floor.

No RSVP is needed, simply turn up on the night!

For those unable to attend, Ellie also holds regular constituency surgeries every Friday in various locations across North Herefordshire. Full details of how to book an appointment are available on her website.

For further information, please contact Ellie’s office at ellie.chowns.mp@parliament.uk

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River Wye Charter Launch

Sasha Shevchenko — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:48:22 +0000

Ellie was honoured to take part in the launch of the River Wye Charter, a landmark recognition of the rights of the River Wye and the urgent need to protect and restore the wider catchment.
The Charter highlights the importance of safeguarding the health of the river for future generations and reflects growing public concern about pollution and environmental decline across the Wye catchment. It also recognises the vital role that local communities, campaigners, organisations and public bodies all have to play in securing the river’s future.
The River Wye is deeply valued by communities across Herefordshire, and initiatives such as this demonstrate the strength of local commitment to restoring and protecting one of the area’s most important natural assets.

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Call for Electoral Reform

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:55:14 +0000

Ellie Chowns has spoken about the need for reform of the UK’s electoral system, arguing that the current first-past-the-post system does not fairly reflect how people vote.

She highlighted concerns that political parties can secure large parliamentary majorities without receiving a majority of votes nationally, and reiterated support for proportional representation as a way to ensure that every vote carries equal weight and that a wider range of voices is represented in Parliament.

Ellie emphasised the importance of building a more representative democratic system in which every vote counts.

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Appointments available at Weobley surgery 5th June

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:58:04 +0000

Ellie Chowns is holding a constituency surgery in Weobley on Friday 5th June (afternoon) and would really like to hear from local residents.
If you have an issue you’d like help with, or something affecting you, your family, or your community, this is a chance to sit down face to face with Ellie in a confidential setting and talk it through.
Ellie meets constituents about a wide range of issues, including healthcare, benefits, education, farming, housing, pensions, and family support.
Appointments must be booked in advance.
To book a slot, please contact Ellie’s office:
ellie.chowns.mp@parliament.uk
01568 630065
Phone or online appointments can be arranged if you’re unable to attend in person.
If you live in or around Weobley, please do come along – Ellie is keen to listen and help where she can.

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The Riverside Code

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:21:08 +0000

Ellie was delighted to receive a copy of The Riverside Code, a beautiful booklet created by Friends of the River Wye to help local residents turn their love for the river into action.
The guide offers practical ways for people and communities to play a part in restoring the River Wye to health, showing how small actions can make a real difference. It was inspiring to see such a thoughtful and positive initiative supporting the protection of this much-loved local river.
Projects like this highlight the power of community action in caring for our natural environment and securing the future of the River Wye.

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Visit to Wyevale Nurseries

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:18:49 +0000

Ellie was delighted to visit Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the horticulture sector.
The visit included conversations on the impact of climate change on the industry, the importance of water resilience, and the role government can play in supporting businesses to operate more sustainably. It was valuable to hear directly about the pressures facing the sector and the steps being taken to adapt to a changing environment.
Businesses like Wyevale Nurseries play an important role in the local economy, and it is vital that they are supported to thrive in the years ahead.

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Call for Fairer Local Tax System

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:12:49 +0000

Ellie Chowns has highlighted concerns about the current Council Tax system, describing it as outdated and unfair for many households.
She pointed out that Council Tax places a disproportionate burden on those with lower incomes, with some of the poorest households paying a larger share of their income than the wealthiest. Ellie emphasised that reform is long overdue and called for a more equitable approach to local taxation that better reflects people’s ability to pay.
Ensuring a fairer system is an important step towards tackling inequality and supporting households facing cost of living pressures.

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Visit to Herefordshire Headway

Sasha Shevchenko — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:58:06 +0000

Ellie was pleased to visit Herefordshire Headway and meet with the Say Aphasia Support Group to learn more about the collaborative work supporting people living with aphasia.
The visit highlighted the important partnership between Headway, the NHS and SayAphasia in providing support, building confidence and helping people stay connected within their communities. It was valuable to hear directly about the experiences of those involved and the positive impact of this work locally.
Initiatives like this play a vital role in ensuring that people living with aphasia can access the support they need and continue to participate fully in everyday life.

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Visit to Pembridge

Sasha Shevchenko — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:27:55 +0000

Ellie was pleased to visit Bloom and Grind bakery, along with other local businesses in Pembridge, to directly hear about the challenges facing small businesses.
This visit provided an opportunity to discuss the pressures many businesses are experiencing, as well as what more can be done to support them and ensure they can continue to thrive. Small businesses play a vital role in local communities, contributing to the local economy and helping to keep high streets vibrant.
It was valuable to hear first-hand from businesses owners and to understand the issues affecting them and their staff.

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Our Place Showcase Celebrated in Leominster

Sasha Shevchenko — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:46:06 +0000

Ellie was delighted to visit the Our Place showcase in Leominster and see first-hand the artwork being created through the programme.
The showcase highlighted the creativity and talent of participants, while demonstrating the positive impact of the project in supporting health and wellbeing and increasing access to the arts. It was inspiring to see how local initiatives like Our Place are helping to bring people together and create opportunities for expression and connection.
Programmes such as this play an important role in strengthening communities and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with the arts.

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