Kate Hopper
Kate Hopper has lived in Aycliffe West for 26 years, raised a family, and has been involved with many organisations – she currently helps as a volunteer with the NEFirst Credit Union. In her role as a councillor, Kate works diligently to resolve individual residents’ concerns, regularly attends local Residents Association and PACT meetings, as well as supporting smaller groups and community events. Whilst Kate’s interaction with hundreds of people has afforded her a wide understanding of the various challenges facing our local community, Kate keenly promotes socially inclusive activities both in West Ward and across Newton Aycliffe that benefit all our residents, both young and old alike. If elected to Durham County Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council, Kate pledges to work with and on behalf of the Aycliffe West community to ensure that the ward itself and the wider town remains a pleasant, safe and prosperous place to live, work and visit.
Eddy Adam
Eddy Adam and his family have lived in Arncliffe place for over 35 years, during which time they have actively contributed to the development of the town and the Western area. Eddy is a lecturer in Engineering at Darlington College and is an active trade unionist, he believes that education should be at the heart of the local community ensuring that a stable and strong economy can flourish. One of Eddy’s proudest moments was being elected to represent Aycliffe West on Durham County Council. He established himself quickly and was appointed Vice Chair of the ‘Environment and Sustainable Communities’ Scrutiny committee. He also sits on the ‘Economy and Enterprise’ and Management Board Scrutiny committees, and is a member Great Aycliffe & Middridge Area Partnership. Eddy prides himself in listening and being responsive to residents, giving quick feedback on their concerns on parking, anti-social behaviour and protecting the green environment and links with Livin. He has been pro-active in supporting local groups with a view to enhancing community facilities. A Labour Party member for more than 40 years, Eddy campaigns for Labour’s core values of strong communities, social justice, decent standard of living, fairness and equality of opportunity. Therefore, he ask for your support in the forthcoming County and Town elections.
Derek Atkinson
I am a retired graduate teacher and lecturer, living in Newton Aycliffe since October 1964. Married to Dorota, with one daughter. I have historical research published. Founder committee member Great Aycliffe Residents’ Association (GARA). and Vice-Chair Sugar Hill Primary School governors 2004 –2013. Elected Sedgefield area, Council of Governors representative on the local NHS Foundation Trust (2009 – 2013). A Labour GATC councillor since 2013, part of a governance team widely praised for delivering excellent value and service to the Council Tax payer. Good attendance record. I am a moderate and have made my views on Jeremy Corbyn quite clear within the columns of this newspaper. Frequent contributor to the Newton News (‘Greens and Open Spaces’). I often ask ‘why?’ when some others keep quiet. If elected, I will NOT be holding surgeries – often held at a time inconvenient to the constituent – but rather as at present in Simpasture Ward, I will produce and distribute a high-quality ‘calling card’ to every home in the ward. You phone, skype or email me that very day. If the issue necessitates a face-to-face resolution, we meet at your, or my home or at a venue of your choosing. Hobbies and Interests. Archaeology, foreign travel and helping overseas students, over skype, with their English conversation and pronunciation skills. Derek G Atkinson
Jim Atkinson
im and his family live in Newton Aycliffe and Aycliffe Village. Since coming to the Town in 1962, he has always been active in work, sports and socially. Currently, he is a driving force behind most of the Town Council committees and working groups, providing passion and local knowledge to secure positive change. His input and attendance is on record as exemplary. Playing a key role and working closely with the community, Jim helped develop the Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved following a stringent inspection. Jim will ensure voters are made aware of all the facts before it goes to referendum vote in June 2017. Jim is also Labour’s candidate for Aycliffe East on Durham County Council and plans to take his energy, enthusiasm and skills to County Hall where he will work to ensure austerity-forced budget cuts do not impact on the services that are important to you—health care, public safety and housing concerns will receive priority status. Jim intends to focus on eliminating unnecessary expenditure and waste at the county level and ensuring the voice of Newton Aycliffe is heard and respected. As a strong advocate of transparency and communication, Jim intends to report to constituents through surgeries and a regular free eNewsletter. He has extensive experience with Victim and Witness Support helping victims of crime and will continue to ensure our streets are safe and clean. In addition, Jim is looking forward to working with the newly formed Neville Residents Association as a conduit both for listening to and answering residents of the Town and Village should it come to fruition. Jim is also a watercolour artist and wood craftsman who likes to encourage participation in community arts and crafts.
Kathleen Woodhams
Kathleen Woodhams has lived in West Ward for 46 years and has brought up her family here. Kathleen is now retired from working in Local Government but knows the importance of the support given to the vulnerable and the services provided for leisure time. She is a proud grandmother of eight, most of whom have lived and been educated locally. Kathleen volunteers as a walk leader at the Pioneering Care Partnership and is on the Patient Participation group at her local Surgery where she takes a keen interest in how changes to the NHS affect local services. If elected she wishes to work to the best of her ability to ensure Labour continues to deliver effective and efficient services
Julie Adam
Julie Adam has lived in West Ward for 41 years bringing up her family in the Western area. Julie has been a school cook at Stephenson Way and St Joseph’s schools and previously worked as a cleaner at Ruff n’ Tumble. She is a proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren, mostly living and attending schools in the Western area. Julie has a wide range of experience and understanding of local issues and realises the difficulties experienced by communities in making ends meet. She will provide a moderate and progressive approach to ensure Labour continue to deliver effective and efficient services for the West Ward community.
Our main aims are to PROTECT our community by:
Providing prompt, effective support and guidance to all within our community;
Retaining and improving on our built and green environment;
Offering to work with NE First Credit Union to develop its links with the local community;
Tackling and reducing casual household fly-tipping on our estates;
Establishing effective working relationships with community groups and partners;
Combating parking problems within local communities;
Tackling anti-social behaviour such as; motor bikes and noise, through partnership working.
