Britain is one of the most centralised states in Europe, with most decisions made in London, far removed from the communities affected.

In government, Liberal Democrats have sought to put this right with Local Growth Deals, giving more control to local areas.

Nick Clegg, who introduced these Growth Deals, came to Wiltshire last week to sign ours alongside the chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership, with me and the leaders of Swindon Borough and Wiltshire Council.

The government has committed to release around £130 million to be invested in our area over the next seven years. The additional £70 million of investment this attracts from local partners and the private sector makes for an overall package worth £200 million.

This includes funding for a skills brokerage service, to help those leaving the armed forces convert the skills they’ve gained into civilian qualifications.

Service leavers are often highly trained and skilled, with much to offer local businesses, and we should ensure they can get the recognition and qualifications they will need when they seek work.

I highlighted local plans for this service to Defence Ministers in the House of Commons last year and sought their backing for it.

I’m pleased that we’ve been able to secure the government funding and flexibility needed to make it happen.

The government will also help fund improvements in Chippenham station, including better car parking and easier pedestrian and cycle links. T

hese improvements could also help Corsham too, if they include the creation of a rail loop at Chippenham, allowing the station to serve as the terminus of a new local train service from Bath and Bristol, which could call at a re-opened Corsham station.

This was one of the projects I discussed with the Deputy Prime Minister before taking him to meet business people in Corsham and hear what more could be done to build a stronger economy here.

The Growth Deal also includes £7.1 million to extend the dual carriageway on the A350 beyond the work already started, and on as far as the A4, which needs doing before development of ex-MoD sites around Corsham adds to those using the roads.

My next constituency surgeries will be at my office in Avonbridge House, Chippenham on Saturday, January 3, 10–11.30am.

May I wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.