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 Shiney Row, where two positions are up for grabs, are:
1. Nana BODDY (Liberal Democrat)
I live locally and am putting myself forward as a Lib Dem candidate as they are the only party standing up to wasteful spending at Sunderland Council. Only the Liberal Democrats on the council always vote to cut councillor allowances – and we have already had free meals and freebie Empire Theatre tickets scrapped. Money would be better spent on repairing potholes and increasing street cleaning! Photo: UGC
2. Katherine Mary Elizabeth MASON-GAGE (Labour and Co-operative Party)
I’m delighted along with my colleague David Snowdon to be standing as a Labour and Co-operative candidate for my home ward. I live in Penshaw and have got to know many people in Shiney Row through volunteering at Penshaw Community Centre. For the last 5 years I have served on the Management committee and with colleagues have worked to bring opportunities to our area. I am proud of our social inclusion projects, training courses, activity days and the support groups we foster. I am committed to improving our community and local area, making sure residents get the best out of local services and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. I pledge support to secure funding for local services, defend our green spaces and help build a stronger community. I will work hard to build local pride; concerns are addressed and residents feel listened to. Photo: UGC
3. Raymond John MOORE (Green Party)
As a Green councillor I would make it my priority to stop the destruction of our green spaces. We have many brownfield sites in Sunderland that could be used for affordable and eco-friendly housing but using these sites would reduce the profits of the housing companies. I think it’s time to put the interests of residents, and the environment, first. I would also act to clean up our streets by taking action on fly-tipping, littering and dog mess and argue for better public transport links. It’s time for change in Shiney Row – vote Green for a councillor who listens! Photo: UGC
4. Kay ROWHAM (UKIP)
Since retiring ‘home’ in 2009 after working all my adult life in London and the South East, I have campaigned vigorously, with some success, in the Coalfields area against environmental issues such as the Biffa and Alltrac waste sites and wind turbines and new homes developments on our countryside. During this time my eyes have been opened to the lack of transparency and accountability within Sunderland City Council and its committees. If elected, I promise to fight this and what I consider to be the never ending rise in council taxes whilst services decrease and vanity projects abound. Photo: UGC