THE despicable attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury on March 4 continues to dominate international headlines but I am well aware that the geopolitical implications of the incident are not the immediate concern for retailers in the city centre, who are looking to increase footfall.

Although I have been fulfilling my constituency and ministerial engagements, and sticking as closely as I possibly can to business as usual, for some businesses in Salisbury, getting back into their normal routines seems a distant prospect.

While our fantastic police, medics and scientists are carrying out the vital work of piecing together every detail of the dreadful attack that occurred here, the people of Salisbury are resilient and are ready and eager to bounce back.

The Journal’s excellent campaign is letting people know that Salisbury is open to visitors and the BID, Visit Wiltshire, the cathedral and others are fully engaged in spreading the word. The council is working on a multi-pronged strategy encompassing compensation and marketing of all that Salisbury has to offer. I see the newly announced free daytime parking as a very positive start to what will be a package of measures.

I have also already sought and been assured of the full and practical support of the government for initiatives to promote Salisbury. The Prime Minister’s visit last week placed a great emphasis on reassurance – both for local people and international visitors – a message that will be built upon in the days ahead. In the meantime, we can all play our part in a community-based campaign of positivity.

Come into Salisbury as much as you usually would – buy your Easter gifts, invite your friends and family and, if you hear of local people doubtful about coming into the city, please encourage them to visit!

I have a very busy schedule of constituency engagements coming up this Friday and Saturday – including an advice surgery, visiting a local charity, discussing South Wiltshire’s heritage and one of my regular visits to the hospital to catch up with the chief executive. I am looking forward to taking part in a litter picking event in Victoria Park on Saturday and then I am off to High Post to see the work of school pupils who have taken part in the Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Our City’ challenge to encourage our youngest citizens to reflect on Salisbury’s future.