Mieka Smiles

As a councillor it can sometimes feel like you get nothing right. Win funding for a new bench and some will be chuffed to have a new place to rest their legs.

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Simultaneously, there’ll be others convinced said bench is a beacon for antisocial behaviour. It can be hard to please everyone.

The stakes are raised to a whole new level when something major is proposed a retail outlet that could cause a gridlock, a late-night venue or a whopping new housing estate.

I understand the accusations of NIMBYism but, I’m proud to be a NIMBY if that means making sure residents' thoughts are listened to before miles of fields are concreted over. In my ward of Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough, where I serve as a Conservative councillor, this has been an ongoing issue since my election and for many moons before.