Each one has been given the opportunity to tell readers why they're running for office and why people should vote for them.
Here's what candidates standing in the Boldon Colliery ward have to say:
1. Joanne Bell (Labour Party)
It is an honour to have been selected again to stand as the Labour candidate in the Boldon Colliery ward. I was born, bred and have lived all my life in Boldon as have generations of my family before me. I have been a councillor here for 25 years and am proud of what has been achieved. I am currently serving as a member of the cabinet. The people are the heart of our community and I am as totally committed to them and the area as I was when first elected. Please take care and stay safe. Photo: AN
2. Peter Collins (Green Party)
I’ve always regarded myself as a colliery person and proud of my heritage. I live just up the road. I will work hard for all residents, listening to concerns and acting quickly and appropriately to the best of my abilities. In recent years your voice has been ignored and your vote counted as a given. A vote for a Green councillor will not be a wasted vote but a vote that will open up opportunities and help foster pride in the community. We can and will make a difference. I will work hard for the people of Boldon Colliery and the planet we all live on. Photo: AN
![My name is Simon Oliver. Boldon born and bred.
I have put myself forward as an independent candidate to give us the residents a true voice.
I’m a father of four living in West Boldon, grew up on the colliery.
I’ve played an active part in Boldon’s community over many years.
Boldon Cricket Club,Boldon C.A Football Club,Boldon Community Centre.
Former director of Boldon’s Green Dot Taxis and a parent governor [at] Boldon comprehensive.
I have Boldon’s residents and community at the forefront of my thoughts and, if elected I would take that opportunity to inform all residents on all matters or decisions regarding Boldon, as I firmly believe all information should be transparent that affects the lives of us in our community.
I would like the residents to have their say and have real valuable input to all decisions.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdhOTM3OGM4LWU5NjMtNDY0Yy1iMTQ5LTg1ZmJmNjQxYWRlYjpkOGUzMzE0OS04YzA0LTRhYTctYjJkYS1hZTNiYTA1OWFhNzM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. Simon Oliver (Independent)
My name is Simon Oliver. Boldon born and bred. I have put myself forward as an independent candidate to give us the residents a true voice. I’m a father of four living in West Boldon, grew up on the colliery. I’ve played an active part in Boldon’s community over many years. Boldon Cricket Club,Boldon C.A Football Club,Boldon Community Centre. Former director of Boldon’s Green Dot Taxis and a parent governor [at] Boldon comprehensive. I have Boldon’s residents and community at the forefront of my thoughts and, if elected I would take that opportunity to inform all residents on all matters or decisions regarding Boldon, as I firmly believe all information should be transparent that affects the lives of us in our community. I would like the residents to have their say and have real valuable input to all decisions. Photo: AN
4. Anthony Maurice Spinks - (Conservative Party)
(No picture provided) As the candidate for Boldon Colliery I shall work tirelessly to represent you and your issues at council level. I will fight to reduce council tax contributions while maximising the share of public funds available to Boldon Colliery ward. I will also concentrate my efforts to reduce the needless building on greenfield sites while increasing the population of trees and hedgerows as a way of contributing to our environment. I will work hard and be a visible councillor for this ward and will listen to your views and fight for them in the council chamber. My other priorities are improving our town centre, making it more business friendly and also cracking down on anti-social behaviour around Boldon Colliery, this includes everything from vandalism to fly tipping and anti-social driving on our roads. Photo: AN