No is the easiest word to say in the English language. It means the status quo, an absence of change and sometimes that spells comfort zone.
When it came to rejuvenating Shirley, Solihull Council and the people - through the ballot box - chose a different path: that of saying yes, let's go for it.
The results are plain to see. Parkgate has sparked the night time economy in Shirley, it has provoked crucial footfall in that part of the High Street.
When it was built Parkgate was a big risk. It was, I believe, the first retail offering to be opened post-financial crash in the UK, and some now departed councillors liked to call it a white elephant.
Well some white elephant is what I say! It also allowed the knocking down of the ghastly Powergen building and its replacement with crucial housing to accommodate our ageing population.
On Sunday it was a great privilege to attend the opening of Shirley's latest restaurant, Ruchie, on the Stratford Road. Ruchie means tasty in the dialects of South India and the meal certainly was that, and the staff were passionate about the food served and the great service they gave.
This is just one opening but there have been others, and although there are acute challenges it is good to see the commitment business has to Shirley. Against the backdrop of falling footfall nationally and online behemoths like Amazon squeezing the life out of traditional retailing (and we all remember the sad departure of the M&S from the High Street) something quite exceptional has happened on our doorstep.
Put simply, Shirley is on the up and it is testament to the people of Shirley for saying 'yes' rather than the easiest word of all - 'no'. It's not easy and it's not perfect, but it is happening and thanks to all those who have the faith.
Originally published in the Solihull News, 25/04/18.