I TOOK advantage of the summer recess to get out and about across the large expanse that makes up the Devizes constituency on my caffeine-fuelled Coffee with Claire tour.

This gave me the perfect opportunity to talk to local businesses about trading conditions and chat to people about what matters to them, with a wide range of topics raised including milk prices, NHS reforms, local traffic concerns, the need for more footpaths, immigration, assisted suicide and service family housing.

Despite the jitters from too much espresso, I will be making this an annual event, although peppermint tea with your MP might be a healthier option.

During the last month I was also able to help present a huge petition, signed by more than 115,000 people, in support of an Opt-In system for adult content on the internet as part of the welcome consultation on parental controls that the Government has launched.

I will be working with Ministers and the PM (who takes a very close personal interest) as the more than 3,500 responses to the consultation are digested and recommendations developed.

Another positive development last week was the announcement of a new £2 million Rural Growth Network grant for Wiltshire, chosen as one of five rural areas where economic development is held back by problems like poor broadband access or a shortage of business premises.

Our Network is unique in that it focuses on military issues, including boosting the job prospects of the partners of service personnel who often cannot put their skills and experiences to good use given the number of family moves undertaken and the shortage of flexible work and overall the grant is expected to create more than 200 jobs and support over 450 businesses locally.