MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, urging him to reconsider turning down the Ravenscroft School's application for Academy Status. Following an earlier discussion, Mr Gove agreed to refer the case back to Lord Hill, the Minister responsible for Academies, for reconsideration.

The text of the letter is as follows:-

Dear Michael,

As promised, I am following up on our recent discussion regarding the Ravenscroft School. To recap, I am very concerned that the school has had its application for Academy status rejected. I would like to give you my sincere thanks... (continued)

Click here for the full story

Theresa Villiers, in her capacity as MP for Chipping Barnet, has welcomed the announcement this week by Transport for London, that they have cancelled all existing plans to close the Northern Line's Bank and Barnet branches early on weekdays over the summer, pending a review of the programme. The closures had been scheduled to start on Monday evening. TfL have announced that the line will continue to run as normal while they undertake a thorough assessment of what closures are needed for upgrade work.

Theresa said, “This is good news for my constituents. I welcome the efforts TfL are making to reduce the number of closures they feel are needed to deliver upgrade work on the Northern Line.”“Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to deliver tube upgrades without passenger disruption, but this reprieve will come... (continued)

Click here for the full story

On Saturday, Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, joined members of 'Friends of Barnet Market', High Barnet Councillors, Wendy Prentice and David Longstaff, and over fifty supporters at Barnet Market to highlight a petition signed by five thousand local residents who want to see the market site resurfaced by its owners, Mr and Mrs Walsh.

The stony surface has been an issue ever since the market returned to the St. Albans Road site late last year. It is now hoped that the strength of local feeling, demonstrated by the vast number of signatures on the petition, will put pressure on Mr and Mrs Walsh to... (continued)

Click here for the full story

Today, Theresa Villiers, took part in the Greenacre Bicycle Rally, along with over a hundred other cyclists from Barnet and Enfield. The ride assembled outside the Artsdepot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley. The Mayor, Cllr Tony Finn was there to formally open the event.

Cyclists did two circuits on the roads around Friary Park, before heading up the Dollis Valley Green Walk later in the afternoon.

The ride finished up at the Barnet Countryside Centre with a visit to the annual Environment Fair.

Speaking after the close of the event, Theresa said, "It has been a great day. I'm sure all the adults and children who took part really enjoyed themselves. "This annual rally provides an opportunity to promote cycling in Barnet and I was pleased to be able to take part for the... (continued)

Click here for the full story