THERE is a tremendous amount of work going on in Basingstoke to support young people, in particular, addressing their often-voiced concern that there are too few places for them to go.

In the past few weeks, I have visited a cross-section of organisations working to support the youth of Basingstoke and all deserving our support and thanks.

Borough councillor Anne Court and her husband Richard, with the help of volunteers, run a drop-in club at Old Down Hall every fortnight.

The idea is simple. Young people need somewhere warm and dry to meet and Old Down Hall is a perfect venue.

Anne and Richard found that the young people who come along have not always had a hot meal at home before they go out, so they decided to provide food and drinks as well.

The local beat officer drops in throughout the evening to provide support.

Basingstoke is fortunate that, in a number of areas in the town, similar schemes are run by experienced and committed local residents. Other areas are less fortunate.

If you think your area would benefit from a facility like this, let me know.

HAMPSHIRE Youth Service now holds a professionally-run youth centre at The Ridgeway Centre, in Buckskin, Basingstoke, twice a week.

I met local youngsters who attend the session for younger children and they all asked why the centre wasn't open for them every night.

The problem is that there are not enough volunteers to do this.

If you have ever considered helping support youth work, drop me a line and I can put you in touch with Hampshire Youth Service.

I HAVE also been able to meet our local Play Council, which organises after-school and holiday clubs as well as encouraging better play facilities throughout the town.

Play is a vital part of growing up. It helps children's physical and emotional development as well as teaching them important lessons in how to get along and to work together.

All too often, free play is squeezed out of our children's life too early.

I am looking forward to supporting the work that the Play Council is doing to enable more children in Basingstoke to have access to good play facilities and to ensure that new play areas really meet the needs of young people in our community.

I ATTENDED a splendid church service at the beginning of the month which reminded everyone there that Advent and Christmas is, of course, all about waiting and preparing.

In our 24/7 instant society, Christmas is a special time of year, offering us all the opportunity to take stock and spend time enjoying that unique sense of anticipation.

OF COURSE, this theme of waiting and preparing applies more broadly in the run-up to Christmas.

There was an acute sense of anticipation apparent among my children when we paid a visit to Santa's helpers at Festival Place last week.

Well done to all of our local shops and the people of Festival Place for entering so fully into the Christmas spirit and for making our town brim over with festivity!

AS BASINGSTOKE'S MP, I get involved in many different debates, campaigns and meetings with local groups.

To keep people abreast of my most recent activities, I issue a regular Westminster Report. The latest edition started to go out to homes throughout Basingstoke during the recent postal strike.

Unfortunately, this meant its delivery to a number of homes was cancelled.

While I have tried to ensure the areas affected receive the report through an alternative delivery service, I realise that some people still may not have received a copy. If you did not receive a copy of my latest report in the last six weeks, please let me know and I would be happy to forward one to you.

TO CONTACT Maria, call her 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.

I WISH you and your family a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2008.

5:06pm Wednesday 19th December 2007

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