WHEN I first heard that the Nato Summit would be held in Newport, I have to admit, I was mildly depressed. In 2012, we were in the US when the last one was held in Chicago.

Not known for showing much news during the wall-to-wall adverts, American TV gave a lot of coverage to the event, where thousands turned up to protest.

A policeman was stabbed, quite a few were arrested and five people faced terrorism-related charges.

Hackers took over Chicago police and Nato websites, and diners at a restaurant were attacked by a baton and hammer-wielding mob.

Surely this can’t happen in Newport? The police and other agencies have assured us it won’t. So, I decided to flip it over and thought about Newport, for two days, being the most important place on the planet (not Cardiff, as Radio 4 and Channel 4 have been spouting, copy provided by the Bay Tafia, no doubt).

My family and friends in America would be really impressed with my home city being clearly on the world map.

It could be the launching pad for tourism and business and a whole load of other possibilities.

Then I thought about the city’s council and cabinet using it as a springboard for great things. Then I thought about some of the cast of characters in said offices.

I’m depressed again.

Nigel Corten, Newport.