I promise to continue making a difference as an Independent County and Town Councillor and will consider it to be an honour if I am elected.
Many people have asked why am I standing as an Independent candidate when I always topped the polls as a Labour candidate?
I was elected with the highest number of votes in the 2005 and 2007/8 elections as a Labour Town and County Councillor. At the selection meetings of the Labour Party two sitting County Councillors (myself being one of them) were deselected and three virtually unknowns selected (Kate Hopper, Mark Catmull and Eddy Adam). This was carried through by their family/friend block vote members of which have never been to a branch meeting either before or since the selections.
This was legal but totally underhand and unfair in mine and many people’s opinions. I hope people will understand my reason for changing to Independent and for making the above truthful statement to clarify my position. Please vote for me to enable me to carry on the work I have enjoyed doing for nearly 14 years
As an Independent Councillor I will work and vote with the Group that will bring the most benefit, in my opinion, to the Residents of the WEST WARD at both Durham County Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council. If I am Elected I will remain Independent for the full term.
I worked with the Town Council Labour group to freeze the Council Tax. Worked with the Town Council and the County Council to bring grass cutting/snow clearing and various other services to Newton Aycliffe. I have nearly always used money from Durham County Council via the AAP, in my area.
I campaigned for better buses on our routes to a higher standard and alter the routes to be more accessible to residents which Arriva has done mainly in the Western Area.
Personal Achievements
My highest honour was to serve in 2010 as Mayor of Great Aycliffe. I have worked in my community since 1999 improving the area and the lives of residents. Since 2002 until 2009 I organised a Disco using money raised to fund family outings.
I have received many awards for working in my community with Junior Neighbourhood Watch which I set up in 2000.
2003 and 2004 Neighbourhood Watch U.K. Outstanding Achievement.
2001: 2003 and 2004 Citizen of the Year.
2007: Paul Harris Foundation Award the highest award
from Rotary International.
2007: Evening Gazette Tees Valley Charity Award Young Peoples Award for my group.
2008: Sunday Sun Champion in the Community Award
2008: Evening Gazette Community Champions Volunteer
2009: Evening Gazette Community Champions Award.
2012: Police Authority award dedication to community
2012: Age Concern UK. Intergenerational Award
I worked with the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership to bring money into my area especially for young people.
Worked with the Police /PCSO’s /PACT and all partners.
As the chairperson of Corporate Parenting at DCC I have had the responsibility of visiting all Children’s Homes ensuring young people where looked after and progressing all their Education and Health needs were met.
I have carried out in-depth scrutiny projects on the Education of our Looked After Children also Domestic Violence and how it affects young people and families. Many of the findings from both projects have been put into practice with excellent results and changes.
