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 West Park ward have to say.
1. Gladys Hobson (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Dear Resident, As the Labour Party candidate for the West Park ward, I would like to ask for your support once again. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to your concerns and by effectively using funding from our local Community Area Forum, I will do my utmost to deliver improvements across the area. I do regular walkabouts with my colleagues in the ward, reporting any issues such as highway and litter problems, and you know that you can always approach me when I am out and about. I will also be working with the Friends of the West Park to carry on the good work in the park, because I know how important that facility is to the residents. I will be your voice in the town hall and I hope that I count on your support on May 6. Best wishes, Gladys Hobson Photo: Gladys Hobson (Labour and Co-operative Party)
2. Peter Bristow (Green Party)
I’m thrilled to be your Green Party candidate for West Park. In this area in 2019, more people voted Green than ever before. We came a very close second with around 38% of the vote. There were only 43 votes in it! Since then, many local people have told me they wish they had a councillor working hard and speaking up for them in the council chamber. As the people of West Park know from my regular Green News leaflets, and door-knocking (when possible), I’ve continued working hard with the Green Party team on local issues, from litter and fly-tipping, to parking and public transport. Yet another Labour councillor here won’t make any difference but electing me as a fresh, new voice will. Greens can win here. Vote Green on May 6. Photo: Peter Bristow (Green Party)
3. Mark Auton (Conservative Party)
(No picture supplied) My name is Mark Auton I’m genuinely honoured to be standing as the Conservative Party candidate for West Park, an area which has so much potential but has been held back by this Labour-led council. South Tyneside Council needs a strong and effective opposition that can provide scrutiny to Labour’s grip of 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 and that you get both value for money for your taxes and that the provision of council services is both efficient and beneficial for your area. Photo: Mark Auton (Conservative Party)