Each one has been given the opportunity to tell readers why they’re running for a seat on the borough council and why people should vote for them.Here’s what candidates standing in the Cleadon Park ward have to say.
Gary Thoburn (Conservative Party)
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My priorities will include responding to fly-tipping in the Cleadon Park area and protecting our local environment.
Very little has been done by your councillors. As your councillor I would ensure effective measures are taken to further prevent damage to our local environment.
Are you really satisfied with the way things are in South Tyneside?
I will provide the scrutiny and accountability our council so desperately needs.
I believe Labour continues to fail the people of South Tyneside, from the failure to roll out government grants to spending your council tax without consideration, we need a change and I believe I’m the person for it.
1. Ian Campbell (Independent)
I was born in the Cleadon Park ward and have lived in the Cleadon area all my life. I am an articulate, people orientated person highly principled with integrity, loyalty and honesty. I currently run my own consultancy but have worked in senior management roles in both large PLC’s and small privately-owned businesses. My main focus if elected would be: *The representative voice of the Cleadon Park community, without compromise from political party constraints. * Focus on scrutiny and accountability for fair decisions by the local council and its representatives. Ensuring we are not forgotten and all issues are addressed fully. * Challenge the establishment through my focus on real issues, not politics. Specifically: *Protect our Greenbelt and ensure all recreational areas are well maintained. * Listen to what the community actually wants. * Crack down on anti-social behaviour. * Ensure council resources are used efficiently and not wasted. Photo: AN
2. Alex Donaldson (Labour Party)
A retired police constable – lived in Cleadon Park for the last 33 years with my wife and family. Represented the ward as a Labour Party councillor for the last 23 years. A former Mayor of South Tyneside in 2008-09. I am chairman of the East Shields Community Area Forum. I also serve on other council committees. My interests are in keeping Cleadon Park including Harton Moor and all of East Shields a safe place to live in. I work to improve the area and to represent the residents in a prompt and efficient manner with their enquiries. I wish to continue doing this. Photo: Alex Donaldson (Labour Party)
3. George Elsom (Independent)
Dear resident, I live in the ward and served as your independent councillor from 2004 until 2015 when I stood down. I have decided to stand again as I am appalled at the state of the ward and the town. I will be: *Independent, impartial and inclusive in all that I do. *Independent: Others will not decide how I vote. *Impartial: I will not prejudge and will decide all issues on their merits and how they affect residents; *Inclusive: I will work for everyone in the ward, old and young. I believe in putting ‘people before a party’. The state of the roads and pavements and grass verges, in the ward, must be improved and the problem of widespread litter addressed. Cleadon Recreation Ground and Park must be properly maintained. The environment must be improved for residents, not neglected. Vote for change! Vote for a person not a party. Photo: George Elsom (Independent)
4. John Riley (Green Party)
The past year has been really hard for everyone. I am proud to be able to help our community by volunteering to deliver parcels for a local food bank and as a volunteer marshall at the three Covid vaccination sites across South Tyneside. I live in Cleadon Park and regularly take action on local issues for residents, such as fly-tipping, litter and recently a vandalised bus shelter. I’d like to thank the front line council staff for working hard to clear up our area. It’s between me or Labour here. In the 2019 local election, Greens came second in Cleadon Park, winning over 30% of the vote. More and more people tell us that they’re voting Green this time. They know we work positively for them and can win here. Please consider voting Green on May 6. Photo: AN