Simon Richard Smithson

“Hi, my name is Richard and I am a retired inner city GP and have lived at the coast for over 20 years. 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.”