October has seen torrential rain cut our Indian summer short. As a water engineer I know about the life-giving power of water. I also know of its destructive power too.

At the start of this year Wiltshire saw heavy rainfall; and as a result we were hit hard by flooding. Some 500 properties were inundated; homes and businesses alike. Sadly when the water receded, the impact did not.

The Coalition government has stepped up the help. Wiltshire got £282,000 to help foot the flood bills.

As we feel the impact of climate change, not least through flash floods, much more needs to be done. That is why I am delighted to have voted through the following Liberal Democrat commitments on flooding at our autumn conference.

Any Government we are in will require real term cash increases in flood defence spending as the Environment Agency recommend. We will ensure flood insurance remains available to homes and small businesses. Most importantly, we will support research into, and the implementation of, natural flood defences.

These actions will help stop flooding from wrecking lives and businesses in North Wiltshire.

Dr Brian Mathew, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for North Wiltshire.