Like many people, I have found that the number of virtual meetings I attend has started to fall and the amount of face-to-face events gradually increasing. There is no doubt that however good the technology, chatting with someone in person makes for a better conversation than via a screen. This has also meant that events like the Audentior Awards have been able to return, with the opportunity to thank people who do so much for our town.

Read more: 'Far too high' - Watford again fails to meet housing targets

For the first time in months I recently got a train into central London. Passing through Harrow and Wembley I was struck by the number of tall buildings being built. In so many urban areas across the South East of England councils are under huge pressure to ‘build, build, build’ in the words of the Prime Minister. If places have limited space, the only option is to go upwards. That’s why towers are being built in Harrow and Wembley, along with Reading and Luton.

Read more: MP and mayor eye showdown meeting over Local Plan

It is always easy for opposition parties to pretend if they were in power there would be no difficult decisions to make. But most people know that until there are serious changes to our national planning rules and housing targets, places like Watford will see taller buildings. That’s why I am determined to go on campaigning for the whole system to change. Surely it would be better to build some new towns, with the services and transport people need, rather than forever cramming more flats into already busy areas?

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford