One of the greatest challenges facing a lot of councillors is the need to balance the overwhelming case for more new homes against the rights of local residents who will be adversely affected by the new developments.

Currently my ward has a huge new development proposed of more than 1,000 homes. Broadly I'm in favour of the new homes, and even if I wasn't the decision that this land was going to be designated for housing took place over ten years ago, long before I was a councillor.

What I have been fighting for is that the development should be as high a quality as possible and to see if things can be done to lessen its impact on existing residents. I've just meant with a large group of residents on Sharp House Lane to hear their concerns about proposals for a new access road that initially was planned to come out right in the middle of their quiet lane. I spoke out against this and have succeeded in persuading the developers to modify their plans. However, still not to my, or local residents, satisfaction. I'm just about to send my comments to the planning officers in time for Thursday's planning meeting. I will also go with the residents to give them some support.

I'll try to report back on the results tomorrow night!

During internal Labour Party selection processes the candidates aren't permitted to "issue statements to the media about any aspect of the selection procedure". This means that sometimes the way the local press cover the selection can be at odds with what is happening on the ground.

The Whitehaven News ran this story last week about aspiring candidates and then this story today.

So far I'm really enjoying the campaign. It's great to get out and meet people and listen to the diversity of views that people hold. One thing you find is that most people hold a variety of views and will find it impossible to select a candidate that agrees with them on every issue. That's why its important to look at aspects such as experience and commitment.

Blogging whip Tom Watson MP's website has had sporadic availability for sometime now but hopefully this time he is back for good. Tom's is one of the best political blogs on the net and has been going even longer than mine (I'm not 100% sure but think Tom was the UK's first blogging politician and I in my more humble role was the second). Anyway if you've never played a visit, now is the time to do so.

IMHO Tom sets a good example as a Labour MP. His union (AEEU) and Labour Party (National Youth Officer) experience is used to maximum advantage as a campaigning MP that is now working alongside Frazer Kemp MP (another ex-Labour Party officer) to help run Labour's election campaign.