Like so many local residents and businesses, I am determined to make sure that Bradford on Avon is protected from future flooding, so that we do not see a repeat of the damage suffered at Christmas.

Having seen the Environment Agency install the temporary barriers in Bradford on Avon myself, I put my thanks to them on record in the House of Commons. In a session predominantly focused on the flooding in Somerset, I urged the Secretary of State for Local Government to ensure that preventative measures would be put in place in all areas affected by the floods, including Bradford on Avon.

The flooding in the town over Christmas came not only from the river breaking its banks, but also from river water flowing the wrong way up the gullies that should drain water from the road into the river, and surface water that was unable to drain away as a result. The Environment Agency is therefore recommending improvements to the drainage that will help to prevent this problem in the future.

In the Commons, I raised this with Environment Minister Dan Rogerson and asked for the Government’s support in funding those improvements. He confirmed that he would be taking up my invitation to visit Bradford on Avon to see for himself the flood prevention measures that are needed and discuss how to implement them.

The coalition government announced a package of support for businesses and homeowners affected by the floods, including a £5,000 grant per premises to help with repairs and improving resilience against future floods.

As affected businesses get back on their feet, they will get full business rate relief for three months as well as an extra three months to pay business taxes they owe. The Government has also secured a commitment for £750 million-worth of support for flood victims from the major banks.

I also asked the Schools Minister how the Department for Education will make sure that academies and free schools are accountable for their leadership and corporate governance. I particular, I pressed him on what means are available to teaching staff and Ofsted to secure any necessary changes to both procedures and personnel when there are concerns about a school’s management.

After constituency surgeries last week in Bradford on Avon and Chippenham, my next will be at Melksham Town Hall on Saturday, March 1, 10-11.30am.