Meetings prove invaluable

10:35am Friday 10th August 2007

PARLIAMENT is now in recess for the summer, which means we do not hold debates in Westminster or question ministers on how Government policy is working in practice to address the important issues we face today.

As a result, I have been able to hold a series of, what are fast becoming, annual advice bureau meetings at various locations throughout the constituency.

This year, I have been able to meet residents in 18 locations in the town and surrounding villages. These sessions give people the opportunity to meet me and raise issues or concerns where they feel that I may be able to help.

I very much value the opportunity to meet so many people in our community. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to these sessions and also to thank the village and community halls for allowing me to use their meeting facilities.

If you were unable to come along but would like to raise something with me, don't hesitate to contact me through the office (see details at the end).

Parliament is in recess but the office is still very much open for business!

• MANY issues were raised with me during the advice bureau sessions, but one issue remains an over-riding concern for many - the lack of progress made in tackling criminal activities that are put under the banner of anti-social behaviour.

Last year, the Prime Minister promised every community in the country would have "neighbourhood policing" and that this would mean a more visible police presence in every community to deter and prevent a further escalation of anti-social behaviour.

What actually happened in Basingstoke was that the promised figure of 50-plus additional police officers was slashed in half and plans for neighbourhood policing in Basingstoke were in tatters.

Few, if any, have seen the increases in policing that were promised by the Government. As a result, vandalism, graffiti, criminal damage and other such acts remain a deep concern for too many residents of all ages.

People are fed-up with being told by the Government that things will get better and services will improve, only to find out that, on the ground in Basingstoke, we have not been given the money to deliver the changes that have been promised.

• IF YOU need to contact Maria, you can call her office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5749, e-mail millerm@parliament.uk or write to her at The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Appointments to see Maria at her regular advice bureau can be booked on the above number.

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