THE Queens Speech was delivered last week, it was wonderful to be there but the really wonderful thing was knowing that this marked the start of the Conservative government delivering our pledges and increasing the opportunities available to local people. One of the reasons I stood to be your MP is to create more opportunities so that everyone has the chance of a good education, a decent job, a home of their own and security in retirement. The Bills set out in the Queens Speech will help to do this by opening more doors for local residents in the Chippenham constituency.

The Enterprise Bill will help our local businesses to create more jobs by sweeping away burdensome red tape and getting heavy handed regulators off firms’ backs. The Queens Speech put into statute our goal for full employment and the creation of 3 million more apprenticeship schemes.

One of the most important parts for our constituency was the Childcare Bill which will have a massive impact on local families. The free childcare entitlement will double to 30 hours a week for three- and four-year-olds, enabling more women to go back to work and putting less strain on family incomes.

Whilst pounding the pavements on the campaign trail many local residents expressed a strong desire for us to reshape our deal with Europe so that we are no longer on the road to a political superstrate. There was a demand for a real say and the EU Referendum Bill will give local people a voice and a real choice on Europe in a referendum by the end of 2017.

Last weekend I was delighted to attend the Melksham Town Football Club End of Season dinner and celebration. Their success this season has been astonishing and is a credit to the players, officials, supporters and everyone involved. I was honoured to give out some of the prizes and share in their joy as they are look forward to their new facility which will be a massive boost to the club.

As a member of The Friends of Chippenham Hospital I also attended the opening of the Elizabeth Sexton Sensory Garden at Chippenham Community Hospital. A lovely new addition to our hospital, named after a fantastic community volunteer who has dedicated years of her life to protecting and improving our hospital. I am currently working with the Friends committee to develop their online presence and boost their fundraising efforts.

My next Surgeries are Saturday 6th by appointment only – please email michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or call Tom 07917796963 to book an appointment.

10.30- 12pm 4 Forest Gate, Pewsham, Chippenham, SN15 3RS

1 - 2.30pm The Swan, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LN.