ACCORDING to data from FixMyStreet, on Teesside the worst council for potholes was Stockton, followed by Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.

And, when you compare the top ten issues on FixMyStreet for the three councils, Stockton is the worst on every count, from potholes and fly-tipping through to abandoned vehicles and rubbish.

I think this is a case of statistics distorting the true picture because it’s incredible that Stockton should be performing less well, in all ten street-related areas, than her two neighbours.

Further analysis is needed to find out why Stockton, statistically at least, appears to be trailing behind.

Steve Kay, Redcar & Cleveland councillor