Hi, my name is Richard and I am a retired inner city GP and have lived in Whitley Bay for over 20 years.

Full statement

During my working life I acquired a great awareness of how social problems impact on health and wellbeing.

As a member of the Green Party, I understand how social justice links in with climate justice and the environment. I have been involved in several local community projects aimed at improving our surroundings by increasing biodiversity.

I also strongly support active travel and believe that new housing developments must have easy access to reliable public transport and safe cycling and walking routes.

A local resident aged 92 said to me recently ‘we're sleepwalking into a catastrophe and no-one is doing anything about it’. The council could and should be doing more to achieve their stated carbon net zero target by 2030.

As a local councillor I would listen to local residents and challenge the decision makers on their behalf. North Tyneside Council could do a lot more to help with these problems, and will do when Green Party members are elected.