Darlington MP Lola McEvoy opens town centre office for residents
Lola McEvoy said the new office on Blackwellgate will enable her to hold surgeries and meetings with constituents.
The Labour MP said finding an office with suitable security and safety was “the top priority”.
Posting the news on social media, Lola McEvoy said: “The signs are up, so I’m thrilled to say that we’re now able to welcome constituents to our Darlington office on Blackwellgate.
“My team has been working from this office since last year, but we’ve had to hold meetings with constituents in various locations around the town as we waited for security to be installed. As I’m sure you understand, the security of our staff and any visitors is the top priority, so we’re really glad that’s now sorted.”
Former Conservative MP for Darlington Peter Gibson and local Tory councillors had previously criticised the Labour MP for the delays.
Reacting to the announcement on Tuesday, Mr Gibson said: “I know that people across Darlington will be pleased to learn that our current MP has finally got an office. After 208 days, or 29 weeks and five days, or 4,992 hours since she was elected it is certainly about time.
“Occupying a listed building is a privilege, my personal view is that signage is hardly in keeping with such a historic building but I am sure that all of the necessary planning and listed buildings consent will have been sought.”
Details of how residents can book a visit to the new office have also been revealed.
The MP added: “The best way to request an appointment is by email at lola.mcevoy.mp@parliament.uk, including the words APPOINTMENT REQUEST in the subject line. Alternatively, you can phone the office on 01325 526655 if preferred. If you get through to voicemail during office hours, that means we’re on the line to someone else, so please do leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
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“Our office opening hours are 10am-4pm on weekdays, as well as some Saturdays by appointment only. The full postal address is 35-36 Blackwellgate, Darlington, DL1 5HW.
“Thanks for your patience with this, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our new home!”
Lola McEvoy MP was contacted for further comment.