On Saturday 20th November Valerie Vaz MP was a speaker at the Salaam Arts Festival: Inspiring Women's Talents at The New Art Gallery in Walsall.  The Salaam Arts Festival is an event which aims to identify and cultivate the artistic talents of Muslim women and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to showcase their contribution to British culture.  The event included visual art workshops, lectures, exhibitons, spoken word performances and an art market. 

Valerie Vaz MP nominated local Walsall restaurant, Nessa's, to compete in the Newby Teas Tiffin Cup 2010. This is an annual parliamentary competition held to identify the best South Asian restaurant in England and Wales.  Nessa's contemporary Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine has proved to be a popular choice for local residents.   Nessa's chef was invited to the Red Fort in London to cook for a distinguished panel of judges.  Although not the winner, Nessa was highly commended.  

Following concerns raised by local residents of Sutton Road and Skip Lane about a planning application for the Three Crowns Pub site, Valerie has taken up the issue with Walsall Council.  Valerie and the local residents are very concerned that the Council is minded to grant planning permission for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of large detatched houses.  The application also extends the site into surrounding green belt land.  Planning Officers and the Environmental Impact reports have all recommended that the application is refused.  Despite this local councillors have spoken in favour of the application.  Valerie has brought it to the Council's attention that there is a presumption against building on green belt land.   The national and local planning policy guidance states that  development of green belt land should not be approved except in very special circumstances.      

On Friday 5th November Valerie visited local Walsall care home, Delves Court, to donate homemade cup cakes in aid of Make a Difference Day.  Valerie Vaz joined forces with pop music mogul, Pete Waterman, to encourage people throughout Walsall to give their time to benefit the local community.