Four years ago we said we had five priorities for the local community.

We said we would improve all our play areas.

We got new play equipment at Allergate, St. Oswald’s, rear of The Chains and a £3 million renovation of Wharton Park. We are already discussing with the council what can be done for the former bowling green on Elvet Waterside.

We said we would fight for stronger planning policies.

After pressure from us and the local community we now have much tougher policies to protect Durham. Our Labour Council did nothing for years and we can see the results. We will continue to oppose poor developments and support good developments such as the housing development at Whinney Hill and the redevelopment of Old Shire Hall.

We said we would fight for a Town Council.

Last time Labour opposed this. We campaigned for a yes vote in the referendum, which was won with 66% of the vote. We will ensure the Council backs local people this time.

We said we would improve footpaths and roads in Durham.

We have secured major schemes for North Road this year, Elvet Bridge next year and Lower Claypath the following year, plus many smaller improvements. Unfortunately there is much more to do with a £1 million backlog in the city with too many poor footpaths and potholes in the roads. We will continue to challenge the Labour Council for a fair deal for Durham City.

We said we would communicate more and be accessible.

We have delivered 60,000 copies of our Focus newsletter, over 6,000 street letters informing residents about issues affecting them, sent letters to all new residents and letters to students in colleges. We have held nearly 50 residents’ surgeries and have knocked on thousands of doors asking for your views. We also regularly attend the areas residents groups.

We are committed to serving our area.

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