Great Aycliffe Town Council By Election – October 12th
As a candidate who lives in Shafto St Mary’s Ward, I have a good handle on the issues that you face – many of them, quality of life issues – such as anti-social behaviour.
I was at a recent meeting of Great Aycliffe Town Council when County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, said that anti-social behaviour had fallen by 40% because of initiatives that she had put in place.
Quite rightly, this was challenged by members of the public, business owners and myself. Intimidation by young thugs, reckless quad bikers, bullying behaviour, speeding cars, noisy neighbours and stinking bonfires are part of everyday life for some.
And yet, it can be so much better.
There is talk of asking us to pay more Police precept as part of our Council Tax. This, when we have just two response officers and two PCSOs. That’s the reality. And we don’t even have a proper police station.
As a local councillor, I will keep on challenging not just Joy Allen but whoever succeeds her in her £multi-million office. Why should you pay more for less?
So, what should you expect from your local councillor? Certainly, someone who knows the ward; knows the town; has connections with the right people and who can help facilitate change.
Most of all, you want someone who is going to listen and to act and to adopt a common sense approach to problems.
As an Independent councillor, I will listen to all sides of an argument and then make up my mind. In fact, I would like to establish a focus group of ward residents, so that we can discuss problems and work together on solutions.
I don’t subscribe to political squabbling. It is not productive. I am looking forward to working with the Independent councillors on Great Aycliffe Town Council. They are a sensible, pragmatic group of talented people who are all working in your best interests to maintain services and preserve super things like the free Pensioners Bus Trips, the annual Fireworks Display, Fun Days and Santa Tours.
In short, I pledge to:
• respond to your queries and investigate
your concerns;
• communicate council decisions that
affect you;
• know my patch and be aware of any
problems;
• know and work with representatives of local
organisations, interest groups and
businesses;
• represent your views at council meetings;
• lead local campaigns on your behalf.
I hope that you will put your trust and your faith in me to represent you in Shafto St Mary’s Ward.
Debbie Ingram, Independent Candidate
Photo: Don’t Nick our Nick! Debbie challenged County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, after she spoke about the future of policing in our town at Great Aycliffe Town Council.
