De Montfort University and the University of Leicester make a huge contribution to our city, not only by educating the next generation but by creating jobs and conducting groundbreaking research too.

De Montfort is now running a great project called the Square Mile, which aims to help the communities of Newfoundpool, Fosse and Woodgate, which are in my constituency. Students and staff have been knocking on doors and asking residents what their priorities are for improving the area.

The message has come back loud and clear: People want to see stronger community ties, better facilities and more opportunities to socialise together. Working with the city council, the NHS and other organisations, De Montfort wants to come up with practical solutions to residents’ concerns.

This is a great project and I’m determined to do my bit to help. If you’d like to read more about the project and what I’m doing to support it, you can read about it in my latest Leicester Mercury column here.