As I mentioned in last month's report, I struck lucky in the ballot for private members' bills and I am very grateful to those of you who sent me suggestions about the changes in the law you would like to see. Last week, I had to decide on my topic and present the bill to the House. I decided to tackle an issue which has been a feature of my postbag since I was elected: infrastructure. I know many of you are concerned that new housing and commercial developments put an additional burden on our roads, schools, GPs surgeries and other community facilities. To see what happens if infrastructure doesn't meet the needs of the local community. You only need to look at Whiteley, where despite my best efforts and those of your local councillors, there are fewer school places than there are children. My bill will require councils to work out what sort of infrastructure is needed and then draw up plans for its provision. My bill should be debated on Friday 12th March (assuming Gordon Brown doesn't call an election for 25th March!).

Christmas approaches

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There has been a Christmas theme to my diary this month. At the

very end of last month, we held a very successful "Taste of Christmas" event for local businesses at Titchfield Community Centre. Despite the atrocious weather, lots of people came to support the event and help local businesses through a difficult time. (The picture above is from the event.)

I had an early start last Friday when I went to visit the Sarisbury Green delivery office. Staff there deliver letters and parcels to the SO31 postcode sector. They do a really important job all year round but particularly in the run-up to Christmas. So a big thank you to all the team there and at Palmerston Drive who look after the rest of the constituency.

To get us in the mood for Christmas, Fiona and I went to a concert organised by the excellent Fareham Philharmonic Choir at Holy Trinity last Saturday night. They sang some old favourites as well as some carols I hadn't heard before and these were interspersed with readings. It was a very enjoyable evening. 

 

A couple of final thoughts

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I also have a facebook page now so if you would like to register please use this link.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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To find out more about Mark and to keep up to date with his work take a look at his website.