The first was with union representatives of the people who work in Burnley's Revenue and Customs office who are facing relocation as a result of a review taking place.

The important thing to understand here is no decision has been taken. I have already met with civil servants in London, who are conducting the review, to understand what their issues are so we can set about resolving them to try to keep the jobs here.

Friday's meeting was to co-ordinate our approach with the union representatives. I believe we have a reasonable case that there should be an office in East Lancashire and that should be located in Burnley and I have already asked the council to contact Revenue and Customs to discuss a suitable site.

My second meeting was with the new chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Marie Burnham. She has only taken up her post in the last few days so it was a useful opportunity to ensure the concerns of my constituents regarding Burnley General Hospital were at the forefront of her mind when she started to work out her priorities for action.

I put the case strongly that local people are very concerned about the future of the hospital, in particular the accident and emergency provision, but also other things such as staff morale. I have recently been conducting a survey of local opinion so was able to use many of the points directly from the information my constituents have given me.

Miss Burnham seems to have a strong and positive vision for what Burnley can achieve, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so I have asked her to come back to me by the end of August with a tangible list of what she will achieve and by when so we can judge her by her performance.

I have asked that these targets should include sorting out emergency transport and the urgent care centre; improving the state of the Burnley hospital building; issues relating to staff morale and to outline her vision for Burnley General Hospital in future. Until then I want to carry on hearing the views of my constituents so do go to my website to fill in the survey.

By working together we can put pressure on hospital bosses to deliver the first-class hospital Burnley deserves and we can be proud of.

My third meeting was at Turf Moor where I heard from Paul Fletcher about how plans for a new stadium were developing. I am keen we grasp this opportunity to invest in the football ground in a way that can allow the club to access alternative sources of income – for example by holding concerts and social events – when the pitch itself isn't being used. Not only is that good for the club, but the town as a whole.

I then had the opportunity to catch up with my local team over lunch before heading to Padiham for my monthly surgery in the town hall. We had a decent turnout, despite the gloomy weather. On Saturday, before my next surgery, I took advantage of the slightly better weather to go for a brisk walk up into the hills. I find there is no better antidote to a week in Westminster than feasting my eyes on Pendle Hill on a clear day.

Parliament shuts up shop on Tuesday and I'll be available in the constituency office on Wednesday to deal with any urgent queries.
I'll then be off to the Labour Party National Policy Forum in Warwick before taking a break with my family – but the office will remain open as usual.