WHILE I remain constantly mindful that the clean-up activity continues and, despite the boost given by free parking, many city centre businesses continue to feel the effects of the nerve agent poisoning incident, normal life must go on.

Parliament is on Easter recess and it will mean I have a lot more time to spend in Salisbury and a welcome opportunity to catch up with constituents and contacts from a range of local charities, businesses and institutions. In the week ahead, I am making a point of maintaining a completely normal constituency diary. Among other things, I am grateful to have been invited to the National Farmers Union’s spring lunch in Salisbury. I look forward to discussing with members the opportunities that exist for farming and future support for the important role farmers play in nature conservation and enhancing the environment, alongside their core role as food producers.

This is a crucial time for British agriculture as we shape the way forward for a £112 billion pound industry that is the bedrock of both our economy and rural way of life. The government has pledged to continue to commit the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the parliament, while funding projects will be honoured for their lifetime.

However, in the long term, leaving the Common Agricultural Policy means we can do much more for our environment. The government plans to move to a system of paying farmers public money for advancing the public good - principally caring for and enhancing the landscapes they farm. Bureaucracy will be minimised and the application processes made easier – something that my existing casework tells me is sorely needed.

I am also keen to see more management decisions placed in the hands of farmers who know their land best. The Environment Secretary has published a Command Paper to launch an extensive consultation process. I look forward to hearing and carrying back to Westminster the thoughts and experiences of our local farmers.

In the next seven days, I am also joining nursing home residents for coffee and a chat, meeting care providers and helping students making a film documentary to count towards their qualification. I am also going to be hearing about a local environmental project, meeting charity workers, attending the Chamber of Commerce AGM, and speaking at a local Nepalese community fundraiser.