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 Hebburn South ward have to say.
1. Mark Conway (Social Democratic Party)
I have lived and worked within the borough of South Tyneside all my adult life since starting work at the age of 16 with NEI Reyrolle. I spent many of my lunchtimes in Hebburn Newtown Shopping centre. In those intervening years I have seen a slow decline in Hebburn while other parts of the borough have prospered. There have been many new housing developments built without sufficient increases in infrastructure to cope. Yet in Hebburn, there still remains a great community spirit and it is this that makes Hebburn a great place to live and work and why I want to represent Hebburn South ward. My pledges are: *Improve the infrastructure around Hebburn South. *Increase access to doctors, dentists and schools. *Get on top of the anti-social behaviour and illegal motorcyclists. *Improve social housing provision. *New environmental measures. *Attract new funding to Hebburn South with fresh ideas and business partnerships. Photo: Mark Conway (Social Democratic Party)
2. Colin Tosh (Green Party)
My focus is on promoting small business and local community and preserving and expanding local green spaces. More generally, I believe you should vote Green because, time and again, it has been shown that even a small number of Greens on a local council can make a big difference. They hold tired, “one-party councils” to account and provide an alternative voice for people to get heard. Greens are also known for being busy and available all year round and not just at election time and I will endeavour to be the same. Vote Green on May 6. Photo: Colin Tosh (Green Party)
3. John Gerard McCabe (Labour Party)
I’m John Gerard McCabe, a Hebburn lad, born and bred, with Christian values and beliefs in social justice. Educated at St Joseph’s and qualified as a mining engineer. I’ve lived and worked in Hebburn my entire life, I’m proud to represent you as your local councillor, striving to make positive change. Serving as chair of Hebburn CAF and Hebburn Regeneration Board, I’ve helped influence and achieve positive outcomes for our town, securing £24m for the rebuild of St Joseph’s and development of Keelmans Way school, where I serve as a governor. Vote John G McCabe. Your active Labour Councillor. Photo: John Gerard McCabe (Labour Party)
4. Moyra Day (Conservative Party)
(No picture supplied) My name is Moyra Day, I’m delighted to be standing as the Conservative Party candidate for Hebburn South. South Tyneside Council needs a strong and effective opposition that can provide scrutiny to Labour’s grip on our council. My priority will be ensuring our town centre is more business friendly. I would start by working hard to increase the amount of free parking in our town centre. If elected, I would be a strong voice for the ward and work hard for the residents. As an opposition councillor, I would also work hard to make sure council money is well spent as I don’t think residents get value for money here. So please consider lending your vote to me on May 6 to get some strong opposition on the council. Photo: Moyra Day (Conservative Party)