Dear Resident,

Further to my announcement that I will be seeking re-election to the Nevilles Cross Ward of City of Durham Parish, I am writing to promise you that a Durham Parish Council led by the LibDems would continue to put YOUR issues at the forefront of our policies.

We need to ensure that Durham residents can reclaim the voice they lost when Durham City Council was subsumed into the County Council 12 years ago.

Without this voice, our City’s heritage, economy and social fabric has already suffered badly. Its once vibrant commercial centre is in decline, planning policies have favoured developers over residents, social and recreational facilities are aimed at the student market and the University’s expansion continues unchecked. Because of this studentification in large areas of the City has increased pressure on police and residents.

So much has been lost and so much needs to be done. A new Parish Council, while perhaps unable to undo the damage, should certainly be able to mitigate it, and we see the Neighbourhood Plan as a means to this end.   Furthermore, a Lib Dem Parish Council would build on the firm foundations that your Lib Dem County Councillors have already provided.

Our aspirations include:

• Representing your views and concerns at County Council planning committees

• Working with local businesses to see how the city centre can be rejuvenated as we start to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Working directly with the University to enhance the links between the student population and the local community

• Highlighting local concerns to council officers

• Reinstating a Tourist Information Centre in partnership with local businesses

• Bringing the DLI Museum and Art Gallery back to Durham City

• Supporting our four local residents’ groups and working towards delivering the Nevilles Cross Community Centre

Over the years Nevilles Cross has been well represented by your Lib Dem County Councillors. Your vote on May 6th can ensure that you will be well represented by your 8 Lib Dem Parish Councillors.