AS something of a break from tradition, I thought I would suggest a New Year's resolution I wish everyone would make.

In 2004 I hope people look at their own performance before criticising others.

Certain individuals are far too quick to throw stones - usually in the direction of large public bodies such as the local council or police.

But, invariably, these same people pay no attention whatsoever to the quality of service they deliver in their own professions, the impression they leave with people.

I was recently in an upmarket clothes store in York. The manageress was rude and abrupt and left customers feeling as though they were a burden. The final straw came when a woman came in to buy a coat and was told it was "impossible' as it was six o'clock. That customer will probably never darken those doors again and I certainly won't. It just takes a handful of shopworkers with an attitude like that and a whole town can suffer.

Each individual has a role to play in helping their town or city to flourish.

When I pay £1 for a cup of coffee I regard the cost as 50p for the product and 50p for the service - the greeting, the smile.

It's usually the service that determines whether I re-visit that shop, which I'm sure is the case with most customers.

Residents, too, have a major part to play. A few weeks ago it came to my notice that the alley behind a certain road in Middlesbrough was a disgrace.

The usual cry went up of blaming the council when, in fact, it was the people dumping the rubbish in the first place who were to blame.

I announced that we would clean the place up once more - at a cost of £6,000 - and that would be it. If residents allowed the place to become a tip again they would have to lump it. I didn't see why the rest of Middlesbrough should foot the bill for their untidiness.

I'm delighted to say the residents have responded well and taken responsibility for their own backyard.

Now we need to get the same message across to people using the town centre. Using bins to dispose of packaging, cigarette butts and chewing gum not only improves the image of a town, but also allows council cash to be used in more productive ways.

A progressive attitude is also important.

I recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Dubai and I am delighted to say the man credited with transforming the once desert state into an economic miracle will soon be visiting the Tees Valley to consider investment opportunities.

Most people are rightly excited at the prospect and are working to ensure we present the best possible case.

But there are always some who, while offering no solutions of their own, knock the hard work of others.

"Do we really want Arab money in Middlesbrough?" was one comment.

Well, the answer is yes.

I don't care what nationality, creed or colour potential investors are. What I do care about is the future of the Tees Valley.

But a council can only do so much. Ultimately, it is the attitude and behaviour of local people which will decide whether an area prospers or not.