In the past year we have seen local businesses and homes damaged by floods in Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Melksham and villages including Holt.

Now, as winter approaches, there are concerns over whether the drainage is sufficient to withstand a repeat of last Christmas’ severe weather.

In the House of Commons last week, I asked the Local Government Minister what guidance he has for Wiltshire Council to help them prevent flood damage this winter, and as I write I’m due to take part in a Parliamentary debate on this subject.

In the month when we remember the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, I was pleased to witness Jeffrey Thomas, director of the Corsham Institute, signing the Corporate Covenant at Hartham Park.

Like the Government’s own Armed Forces Covenant, it is a commitment to support local military personnel and their families. Whilst much of the Ministry of Defence’s work in Corsham is necessarily under wraps, local people know enough to understand that it’s incredibly important work for our country and it’s great to see this acknowledged.

I was also delighted to present the Young Voice Award at the ever-inspiring Melksham Young People’s Awards, organised by Melksham Extended Services which is chaired by my colleague, Councillor Jon Hubbard. The award deservedly went to Melksham’s Member of the Youth Parliament, Lee Gunton, for his campaigning against online bullying.

On Thursday, I visited an exhibition in Corsham about Gladman’s proposed housing development north of the A4, opposite the accident blackspot on the Bradford Road junction.

I have previously written to the Planning Minister supporting the residents’ case, now backed by Wiltshire Council, that recent developments and brownfield site allocations are sufficient to meet the town’s housing need.

The developers are appealing the council’s decision and there are fears that, without a core strategy for development planning adopted by the county, it may be overturned.

I have written to the Local Government Secretary urging him to take a personal interest and intervene if necessary – as he did in a similar case in Devizes recently.

My next constituency surgeries will be at my office in Avonbridge House, Chippenham on Saturday, from 11am-12.30pm.