As your local MP, I hold regular 'Ask the MP' sessions across the constituency – it’s a way for people to come and see me and ask questions or raise issues in a more informal setting.

No topic is off the table and local, national, and international matters are often discussed.

These events are great as they allow me to meet with as many constituents as possible, in addition to my more formal advice surgeries and visits across Tatton.

My most recent event in Knutsford and was dominated by one topic, the future of Knutsford Leisure Centre, which is still under threat.

Back in November a proposal was made by Cheshire East Council to close the centre, along with three others.

Understandably residents were outraged and I, along with Conservative councillors in Knutsford and the surrounding wards, made representations to the council and a decision was taken to consult on wider funding of leisure centre, rather than just close the four sites.

The council claimed closures were needed to balance the books. It was also claimed that Knutsford was at risk because it was underused and figures 'backed this up'.

After looking at the figures it was obvious to me they were not accurate, and had been skewed to put Knutsford at a disadvantage.

The council’s figures did not factor in that the centre is used by Knutsford Academy, or hired by local groups and therefore is not always available for public use. I made this point clear to council bosses.

As for claiming the closure was needed to manage to balance the books, I pointed out that if there was better fiscal management at the council my constituents would not be suffering and in fear of losing their much-loved centre.

The council has wasted obscene amounts of pounds of taxpayers’ money, one example being £11 million, which includes £8 million on consultancy fees, for 'HS2 preparation'.

This money was spent not only 20 years before the line was due to reach the area but crucially before Parliament had approved that section of the line. If the council had not wasted such vast sums, it would not be needing to look at service closures.

It is clear to me the Labour-run Cheshire East Council does not care about Knutsford but I do and, along with the local Conservative councillors Stewart Gardiner, Tony Dean and Peter Coan, we are battling hard to overturn the decision to close the leisure centre so it can remain a valuable amenity for the local community.

We need to keep up the pressure on the council as we await a decision. The formal consultation closed last month but it’s more important than ever that local residents keep up the pressure and write to Cheshire East in order to do everything we can to save our centre.

Emails can be sent to RandC@cheshireeast.gov.uk.