One hope to come from the current coronavirus crisis is that we may all emerge from isolation with a greater sense of community.

Swindon’s two MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, said they have been gladdened to see the way people have come together to look after their friends and neighbours.

Mr Tomlinson, the MP for North Swindon, said: “When I was young everyone’s house had a front garden and people worked in them, and got to know their neighbours by being out there.

“That’s changed. Houses are different, and in Swindon, we have a lot of graduates who come here to work, but then move about quite frequently, and it’s a more transient population.

“That means often people don’t know who is living in the same street, and that can be very difficult for people who are isolated or need more support."

“My mother moved down to Swindon to be near me about 13 years ago, but if she hadn’t, she’d be alone in Kidderminster and I know how difficult that would be, so I’m aware of what some people are facing.

“It wasn’t a surprise but it was great to see hundreds of thousands of people immediately sign up to volunteer to help the NHS. And there are small groups springing up all over Swindon helping out people who need shopping, or someone to check on them.”

Mr Tomlinson’s mother is well-known borough and parish councillor Vera Tomlinson.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland added: “I am delighted but not surprised to see that community spirit and selflessness is alive and well in Swindon.

“After years of working in our local community, I have seen countless examples of this, and at this time of greatest need, I am reminded how glad I am to live here and to be a local MP too."