The past week has seen a very productive meeting of the South Wiltshire Economic Task Group, with a specific focus on transport, which impacts on the local economy in so many ways.

The formal consultation on improvements to the A303 is due to get underway early in the New Year and will give an opportunity to look closely at the final two options before the chosen scheme is announced in the summer and a detailed programme of works is developed.

Pending confirmation of the final decision on investment in The Maltings, it is important to continue efforts to ‘join up’ the different elements of investment and public services in Salisbury, so that they work together to deliver the maximum benefit to the area.

To that end, the task group considered the development of skills in the district and how that impacts directly on the growth of employment opportunities in and around Porton Down.

The arts – a linchpin in any city centre redevelopment – also need transport improvements in order to thrive. I met the Rail Minister last week to continue to make the case for shorter east-west journey times from Salisbury, to help both commuters and visitors to the city.

This week I asked a Home Office question about policing, emphasising the need for the funding formula to take account of the unique challenges facing rural police forces.

This followed my question last week on continuing delays to farm payments made through the Rural Payments Agency. I am pleased to note that the overall picture is improving but I look forward to receiving specific answers for the three affected constituents who I named in my question.

On Friday, my busy diary includes a visit to a local primary school to discuss funding, a full advice surgery and a conversation with the local coroner.

I am also picking up on my interest in ongoing transport challenges with a site meeting with a farmer whose land includes part of the proposed tunnel route. I recognise that detailed information is thin on the ground at the moment but it is my job to chase down as many answers as I can for those who stand to be most directly affected by the consultation.

I am also meeting with two different groups of people to discuss their perspectives on Brexit, as we seek a future that delivers on the verdict of the Referendum but maintains the closest possible relationship with Europe and safeguards our economy. I remain very mindful of the fact that the public voted to leave the EU but not to be worse off.