Last week I brought William Hague to Chippenham to hear my plans for boosting our town centres. I want to help rejuvenate the high streets in Chippenham, Melksham, Corsham and Bradford on Avon.

Empty shops are viewed negatively by residents and visitors. But these empty shops could be the key to a community-focused high street.

I have looked at what other towns have done to attract people into the town centre. One of my favourite schemes was in Worthing where a former carpet shop was converted into a pop up go-cart track for the half-term holidays.

Other towns have used the shops for craft centres, areas to practise circus skills sessions, screen-printing and fashion workshops and other activities for young people.

Aside from drawing people into the town centre, the creation of new vibrant spaces led to neighbouring properties being taken over by new shops and offices.

Often making contact with the landlords or property owners was the main challenge faced when organising these projects. It is especially difficult when the owners aren’t local and have little grasp on what communities want. If elected on May 7 I would bring those landlords together and discuss what more could be done to boost towns.

There is too often a focus on large cities, with small cities and towns overlooked. These areas are too small for Big City deals, but too large for some of the rural development funding that is available. I want to make sure that we get our fair share of investment.

I would like the government to offer grants for market towns so they can convert vacant shops into spaces for community services.

Our town centres could once again be a place where people can exchange ideas and learn new skills, as well as do their shopping.

Michelle Donelan, Prospective Conservative MP for Chippenham, Forest Gate, Chippenham.