Meet the candidates for Barnes for the Sunderland City Council election on May 6

Voters are due to head to polling stations on Thursday, May 6, to re-elect or replace the holders of 28 seats on Sunderland City Council.

Bidding for the prize in Barnes, are:

Rebecca Sarah ATKINSON (Labour Party)

For the past nine years it has been an honour to serve the ward in which I was born and raised.

Representing friends, neighbours and residents as local councillor is a privilege and something I will never take lightly.

I’ve helped deliver change and improvements to the ward I love, from securing investments in our parks, to safer streets and tackling residents’ issues – I am proud to serve Barnes.

As a working mother, I understand what families want to see in the ward.

We all want a clean, green and safe place to live.

I am a strong voice for Barnes, challenging issues and ensuring our community receives a fair share of investment and services.

I would be honoured if people once again vote for me on May 6, placing trust in me again to carry on the work for the place we all call home.

Richard DUNN (Conservative Party)

After leaving the military, I trained as a teacher of children with disabilities.

I live locally with my wife and children. I got involved in politics because our Council is failing us on the basics, like bin collections and cleaning the back lanes.

I joined the Barnes Conservatives team two years ago and I’ve worked tirelessly on issues that matter to people: road safety and parking problems, keeping our streets clean, and cutting out anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

I’m proud to have the backing of a former Labour MP and a former Independent candidate for Barnes Ward.

Over the last year I’ve supported elderly and isolating residents by doing their shopping and collecting their prescriptions.

I don’t intend to be somebody who only comes out at election time.

Support me in May for a councillor who will be there for you all year round.

Tim ELLIS (Liberal Democrat)

I have lived in High Barnes nearly all my life.

The people of Barnes, Plains Farm, Humbledon and Eden Vale have been particularly let down.

Our roads are in need of resurfacing, our beautiful park suffers from anti-social behaviour, and our back lanes have a serious rubbish problem.

I also often feel that our part of Sunderland loses out when compared to other parts of the city.

We have very few amenities, businesses and leisure facilities: this needs to change.

Instead of voting for the Tories and Labour who only promise more of the same, vote for change and vote Lib Dem in Barnes.

Alyson KORDBARLAG (Green Party)

As a councillor, I would push for Sunderland to be a trial site for universal basic income.

Trials elsewhere suggest this is an effective and cost-efficient way to create jobs and

significantly reduce poverty.

I would ensure that new housing is eco-friendly and allows every resident access to green space.

Cycle paths need to be more clearly marked to encourage use.

This would reduce emissions and improve health.

Litter is an ugly problem and I would make sure that more and larger litter bins are provided and emptied regularly.

Be ambitious for our city when you vote on May 6.

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