Grant Shapps has given his Welwyn Hatfield constituents a visible voice. And what an “explosive” voice it has turned out to be.

During last year’s election campaign, he fully embraced new technology and used webcams to get his message across. He was not short of participants.

Two weeks ago he launched an online forum and has been overwhelmed by its success. This is what he told me:

“A couple of weeks ago I wrote to let you know that I’d just launched the Welwyn Hatfield Online Forum at http://www.shapps.com/forum

“However, what I hadn’t anticipated at the time was just how explosively popular the forum would become. There are already 1,500 posts on just about every local subject. Discussions range from the closure of vital parts of the QEII Hospital, to the Oldings (Tesco) Roundabout, the proposed Controlled Parking Zones in Hatfield, the development of the town centres, anti-social behaviour, leisure… you name it and it’s being discussed right now at: http://www.shapps.com/forum

“Anyone can turn up and read the forum, but if you’d like to have your say, then please register and then start posting. Please spread the word to other people in Welwyn Hatfield.”

At the latest count this morning there were 1591 posts on 128 topics raised by 357 members.

I believe all MPs should be doing this, and even Geoff agrees, who I suspect is not a Tory supporter and praised it on his blog yesterday. It clearly demonstrates that politicans want to want to hear the concerns of their constitents, that they care and are listening.

The site is moderated by Grant with “help from the whole community”. How many MPs have that kind of support?