It's not all doom and gloom

Contrary to what readers of the national press might think, here in Stockton bins have been emptied on schedule, recycling has been collected, major roads have been gritted, grit bins have been filled for residents on tricky areas of side roads, paths in front of housing with a high proportion of elderly people have been cleared of snow and ice.  The staff who work in those areas have excelled themselves for the second year in a row.  I've had phone calls and emails of congratulation and thanks which I've passed on to the managers and I've had very few complaints this year.  I think that's partly because an even better job has been done than last year but also there's been a lot more easily accessible information on what's happening and why, so people could understand.  How many other councils sent emails to all councillors and put messages on Twitter and their website and Facebook page every time the gritters were going to start a run?  Well done Stockton Borough Council.
Equally, the poll ratings for Liberal Democrats are not as bad as they're made out to be.  They were lower in the early months of the Lib Dems when part of the SDP still hung on as a separate party.  Yes they're low and no party likes low ratings.  But the local elections in May are just that - Local.  They're about who can do the best job for the ward and the borough, not about who runs the country.  Lib Dem councillors here in Stockton continue to do just that - working for the people who elected us and trying to make sure their voice is heard, whether it's about getting a pavement repaired or fly-tipping removed or fighting an unsuitable planning application or making sure there are play facilities for the children of the area - I could go on!
Rant over, back to work.