IT was my pleasure to join Wilton Chamber of Commerce for their networking lunch last Friday.

Exciting times lie ahead for Wilton and it was pleasing to see that the existing business community is so firmly committed to maximising the potential of the town.

The biggest opportunity on the horizon is the development of the Erskine Barracks site. It should not be forgotten that this project grew out of the aspirations of a few local people.

I am keen to do all I can to ensure that the developer honours the firm commitment it made to assimilate the views of the community, on which progress thus far has been based.

I will be attending the latest public meeting to discuss the plans on Saturday and I look forward to continuing my dialogue with the Community Land Trust on how local people’s ideas for the site are evolving and whether they are on the way to becoming a reality.

This week I secured an adjournment debate on the future of Porton Down. Numerous studies are ongoing concerning elements of Public Health England.

My aim is to ensure that the government is fully aware of the range of capabilities based there, and is not constrained by which department currently has responsibility for the facilities before it makes decisions.

Numerous complex and highly beneficial synergies exist between the work of different government agencies and companies working at Porton. Strategic oversight of these elements and understanding how they interconnect is absolutely crucial if we are to sustain the long-term value of Porton Down as a national asset.

I will be leaving London early this week to show my support for two worthy events – both taking place tonight.

I will attend the public meeting to discuss the future of Sarum Bookshop before heading to the Playhouse for the long-awaited Childrens Chance fundraiser with John Humphrys.

I enjoyed supporting the fundraising efforts for our magnificent hospice at the Wessex County Fair on Saturday and hope that the weather stays kind for two more al fresco engagements this week in Britford and the Woodford Valley.