I WOULD like to thank all of the people who have so generously sent me kind messages of congratulations following the recent General Election result.

Being elected again to represent the people of Basingstoke in Westminster is an enormous honour and a daunting responsibility.

I was elected on a manifesto of more jobs, better services and lower taxes for our community and I shall work hard to deliver on those commitments over the next five years, working for every resident of the constituency.

The new Local Plan is out for consultation again and I urge every resident to take a good look at the proposals and how they might be affected by them. Pressure on the council from the local inspector means the planned number of new houses has increased significantly. I am pleased to have been able to work with residents groups over the past few years and will continue to focus, with them, on helping ensure any future house building is sustainable. I shall continue to press for clear and detailed plans that ensure funding is in place to expand roads, schools, NHS facilities and other important local services before new residents move into our community.

Last week was Volunteer Week. In Basingstoke we have hundreds of charities that thrive because of the support of thousands of volunteers.

On Sunday I met volunteers raising money in support of St Michael’s Hospice at the Kempshott Village Hall Tea Party, supported by the 1st Kempshott Brownies, run by yet more volunteers.

That event alone will raise more than a thousand pounds to support people who cope with terminal illnesses.

All our thanks should go to Basingstoke’s army of volunteers who give their time so freely and who help make this such a great place to live.

You can contact Maria at The Mount, Bounty Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3DD; The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA on 02072 195749; or email maria.miller.mp@parliament.uk. Appointments to see Maria at her regular advice bureau can be booked on the above number.