If you like to get your paper hot off the press, voting in Wiltshire’s local elections does not finish until 10pm on Thursday, May 2. Whichever council candidate you choose, I do hope you use your vote.

Local elections – whether they be for the Wiltshire, town or parish councils – are, I believe, the frontline of democratic politics. This is your chance to have your say over who does what in your local area. Personally, I have already voted for my local Liberal Democrat councillor, by post.

Before Parliament completed the current session I pressed the Department for Transport on the progress made in encouraging motorists to upgrade their cars to electric vehicles. I also suggested the Department consider a national rapid charging network, to boost the take-up of plug-in cars. Norman Baker, the Transport Minister, said that the take-up so far was in line with the usual trend for new technology and that he expected a rapid increase soon. He pointed out that the Government has committed £400 million to support the expansion of ultra-low emission motoring during this Parliament.

In Education Questions, I highlighted the inspiring work at The Corsham School, where I saw the “making room” which is staffed by a professional artist and is available to all curriculum areas. I asked the Schools Minister if she agreed that making things reinforces learning right across the curriculum. I was pleased to hear her acknowledge the importance of combining practical and academic learning in the curriculum.

Outside the Chamber, I made the case for trains, after electrification, to stop at intermediate stations like Corsham in a meeting organised by Network Rail. I also met First Group to seek their co-operation in improving Wiltshire’s local rail services.

Back in Wiltshire, I dropped in to the Chippenham Beer Festival. I’ve previously campaigned against the Beer Duty Escalator, which the Chancellor has now scrapped, so I was pleased to talk to the CAMRA members and local brewers. In Corsham I supported two fantastic events – the Charity Sci-Fi day and the St George’s 10k run, which raised thousands of pounds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

My next surgeries are at Bradford on Avon Library today from 10-11.30am, and at the same time on May 18 at my office in Avonbridge House, Bath Road, Chippenham.