THE new MP for Whitehaven and Workington has opened his constituency office as he receives more than 2,000 pieces of casework from residents.

Josh MacAlister has opened his telephone helpline and constituency office at James Street in Whitehaven and will also have members of his casework team available at the Carnegie in Workington on most Wednesday mornings.

In addition to his work in Parliament and on local issues he has also received more than 2,000 pieces of casework from local residents seeking help or support.

The cases range from questions about government policy, to help with housing, campaigning for better bus services, improving services for children with special educational needs, and tackling issues like speeding. And Josh says he’s already getting results.

He said: “One of the most important parts of an MP’s job is helping people who need it in any way I can. It’s a privilege to be able to do so and I’m delighted that, of the more than 2,000 cases I’ve received, my team and I have already resolved over 1,600 of them.

“In those are lots of examples of where we’ve made a difference. Getting housing repairs sorted when someone was waiting too long, making sure a streetlight outside someone’s house was repaired, securing Carers Allowance for a lady who was given the run around by the DWP, chasing up scan results from the hospital after someone had waited more than six months.

“I’m really delighted to have been able to help hundreds of people already. The individual issues may seem small to some but it’s these every day things that hold people back and where an MP’s intervention can make a difference.”

Josh hopes to advertise regular opening hours for the Whitehaven constituency office and will also have a weekly casework drop-in in Workington which anyone can attend.

He encouraged residents who need help to get in touch.

“I promised to be visible and accessible and I hope people can see that I’m keeping that promise. I can’t help everyone with everything, but I’ll help as many people as I can as much as I can. So, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by e-mail, phone, text or letter and I’ll do my very best!”

You can reach Josh’s office by e-mail on hello@joshmacalister.uk, by phone on 01946 458 023, by text on 07520 666785, or by post at Office or Josh MacAlister MP, First Floor, 35-40 James Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7HZ.

Members of Josh’s casework team will be available at the Carnegie from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18. Find details of his upcoming public events at joshmacalister.uk/meetjosh