ONE aspect of my role is to raise issues that businesses and community groups face.

Last year, Sundeala, a Gloucestershire company, approached me with concerns about noticeboards used in schools.

Sundeala raised concerns about the lack of adequate regulation of noticeboards, particularly for use in schools, and explained that it faces competition from businesses which produce noticeboards that are not only inferior in quality but are also made of a material that is actively advertised elsewhere for use as a firelighter.

It can’t be safe or right that these materials are allowed to be used as noticeboards in schools and other public buildings. I have been pursuing this issue with government departments and I have repeatedly raised in parliament the need for greater regulation.

I am a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on fire safety, which meets this week and will provide an opportunity for me to discuss this issue.

I have also received a letter from Lord Agnew, Under-Secretary of State for the School System, in response to my concerns, thanking me for bringing this issue to his attention and informing me that his department has now commissioned research and is investigating whether to change regulations.

In the wake of the Grenfell fire, it is vital that regulations and use of materials make safety a priority and I am pleased that I have been able to make some progress on this issue.

I am always glad to hear from local businesses about the issues they face and can be contacted on david.drew.mp@parliament.uk