It’s a big week! For the first time in 70 years in we have a coronation.

As ever, we in Britain do these things rather well. It is expected that the economic benefit to the UK will surpass £3 billion in coronation-related activities – mainly street parties and drinking. But it is a moment of genuine celebration, for the country and Commonwealth to come together. Of course, I appreciate not everyone has as much enthusiasm for the monarchy as others, but it is something that marks us out as a unique nation with a long history other countries are jealous of. So I shall be raising a glass on Saturday to celebrate the latest bit of UK history in the making.

By the time of the coronation, we will have had the local council elections, and the results. Due on Thursday and Friday respectively, they are for Wyre Forest District Council and both Stourport and Bewdley town councils (Kidderminster town is up for elections next year).

This is the first opportunity we have had to pass judgement on these councils since the elections back in 2019, when for the first time we moved to “all-out” elections for all of the 33 council seats established in boundary changes. Since then a coalition – The Progressive Alliance - has been in charge, no single party gaining enough councillors to take control of the council.

It is not for this column, this week, to make a political point. But what I would say is that good local democracy needs support from all of us as voters. Wyre Forest District Council delivers all sorts of services, from bin collections to planning. The local plan – where we build houses and businesses – was decided by the council and is an incredibly important part of our local decision-making, deciding on how many, and where houses are built. It’s about our towns and communities.

Our councillors all work hard and are dedicated to their communities. In the 13 years I have been Wyre Forest’s MP, and the 6 years before as my party’s parliamentary spokesman, I can number on the fingers on one hand those people coming forward with questionable motives. All others want nothing more than to serve their communities as best they can.

Yet turnout in local elections is always low. At a little over 30%, it is less than half the numbers who vote in general elections. So my plea is to vote. Have your say on how you want your communities served. It's important.