Durham County Council is about to consult again on whether Durham City centre should have its own town council.

All those on the electoral register will receive a ballot.

This is the second time we have tried to get a town council and we hope this time there is a wide enough response to ensure the council supports the local community’s wishes.

In 2012 their was a small majority in favour of a town council but Labour councillors refused to support it.

Indeed, local Councillor David Freeman was the only councillor to speak in favour of the council accepting the ‘Yes’ response from residents (Richard Ormerod was not a councillor at that point).

A town council would have powers to provide services in addition to those of the County Council and would also have to be consulted on planning applications in the area.

It would also be able to take on responsibility for the Neighbourhood Plan, which is presently being developed and would be able to get some income from developments in the city based on the plan.

As Lib Dems we believe in democracy. Last time around Labour ignored local people. This time we need more support from the community if we are to get a Town Council. If successful the Council would be created in May 2018.