TODAY'S column is dedicated to a special lady – Deirdre Lodge. Damp and mould in housing is a health hazard and a major cause of asthma, especially in children. Deirdre came to see me late last year as she wished to raise awareness of the health consequences.

As it happened, I had received a number of complaints about mould in housing. The installation of double glazing has tackled draughty homes, but without adequate ventilation condensation in housing will fuel mould growth and generate a health hazard. I supported Deirdre’s campaign and encouraged residents with mould issues to contact me. Public bodies often suffer from bureaucratic inertia.

It is why so many people become frustrated when dealing with councils and Government departments. In the event of failure, the first instinct is to ignore the issue and hope it will go away. The second instinct is to deny there is a problem. The third phase is to acknowledge there is a problem, but it is too difficult to fix until finally we enter the fourth phase and do the right thing and do something about it.

Thanks to Deirdre’s tenacity, Thurrock Council will be using its new public health powers to raise awareness of the consequences of black mould and is also being more proactive in tackling mould in council homes. Deirdre’s efforts will lead to better health for many people and her community spirit should be applauded.

This spirit can also be witnessed in the Chafford mums who are fighting for the right to have their children educated in local schools. Fifty-one children in Chafford have failed to secure a place in one of the three local primaries. It isn’t too much to ask is it? No it is not. We who are public servants should never forget who our masters are. We should not expect the public to just put up with what they are given, we should strive to deliver the best services possible and we should be held accountable when we fail.

It has been very inspiring to work with these ladies. I hope these examples will encourage others to engage with the political process if you want to achieve change.