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.
Here are the candidates bidding for the prize in Copt Hill, where two positions are up for grabs.
1. George Edward BROWN (Conservative Party)
I am a retired school teacher and magistrate with a strong interest in giving children a better future, tackling anti-social behaviour, and improving life chances. I am pleased therefore that the local Conservative budget proposed major increases to school funding, but equally saddened that Labour voted against these proposals. As a councillor, it would be my intention to push for more investment in local schools and children’s mental health services. But I also care deeply about our natural environment – and I want to promote the protection of our green spaces and parks. If you agree, please elect me on Thursday, May 6. Photo: UGC
2. Reg COULSON (UKIP)
I think every resident in this area will agree with me that we’ve had more than enough of large-scale housing development which has been mainly on arable crop growing land and it’s now time to make a strong protest against any further large scale development. If elected, together with UKIP’s existing City Councillors, I will strongly oppose any further development on green field sites. As in previous years, I will continue to campaign for the Metro extension to Penshaw and Fencehouses and the re-opening of the East Coast Main Line diversionary route through Leamside. Both of these projects will have many benefits throughout the whole of our area and the rest of Sunderland, including relieving the ever-growing congestion on our roads. Photo: UGC
3. John DEFTY (UKIP)
Land in Hetton on which 100 homes for the elderly once stood was sold to private developers who were then let off the agreed Section 106 monies (money to fund local area improvements). Historic Hetton Council Offices and land were sold for a song. The local Ofsted rated “Excellent” Hetton-le-Hole Nursery School, I went to, more than 60 years ago, is likely to be closed. Yet Sunderland City Council can squander £4 million on furniture for the new Civic Centre building on the financially disastrous Vaux site. It’s time to stop this madness. If elected, I will join the other UKIP councillors’ fight to ensure our residents get proper value for money improving and maintaining local services. Photo: UGC
4. Tracy DODDS (Labour Party)
I have lived in Hetton Downs for over 20 years. Along with colleague Kevin Johnston we are the Labour candidates for Copt Hill ward. I care about the issues in the ward that concern people from speeding cars to anti- social behaviour. Fly tipping is unnecessary but an irritant to us all. Accessing support to community funds for local groups and societies is another aspect of the councillor role I consider important. I am a volunteer for several local groups and charities. I have signed up as a Covid-19 champion. I believe councillors should be at the heart of the community. My efforts will be directed to these wonderful organisations that support the vulnerable in these challenging times. High on my agenda is to find ways to develop more facilities and activities for children and young people in the area. Photo: UGC