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

More than 120 candidates have thrown their hat in the ring for this year’s (2021) round of local elections in Sunderland.

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 Southwick are:

Kelly CHEQUER (Labour Party)

It has been a privilege to be your Councillor in Southwick for the last 5 years.

I have achieved a great deal, and if re-elected I will continue working hard to make Southwick, Carley Hill, Marley Pots, Monkwearmouth and off-Newcastle Road a great place to live.

Recently, I have secured a record £100,000 investment in regenerating Southwick Green, £200,000 initial funding for improvements to Thompson Park, a dedicated enforcement officer to tackle fly-tipping, littering and anti-social behaviour, and increased funding for more CCTV.

Put your trust in me, so I can deliver on my commitment to making our area cleaner and safer, improve our green spaces and most importantly tackle the problems that cause this.

As a mam, a nurse and a councillor, I always take immense pride in my work.

A vote for me is a vote for further improving Southwick.

Norman Martin DENT (Liberal Democrat)

I lived in Southwick for 16 years, supporting the community as a volunteer and councillor with pride.

Now in Fulwell have continued to maintain links with Southwick both socially and supporting the community.

I am presently working with community/cultural groups in the area as an active volunteer trying to make Southwick a better place for everyone.

I am also supporting a pensioner’s campaign group as their regional secretary and active in NHS campaigns against cuts and privatisation.

Prior to retirement worked at Sunderland College as a technician, I shared skills l used at college for the benefit of the community.

I am committed to working for the residents and organisations of Southwick, retaining and improving services.

Southwick is my first priority if elected as your Liberal Democrat councillor.

You can take the man out Southwick, but you can’t take Southwick out of the man.

Stephen Thomas HARRISON (UKIP)

*no candidate statement or photo provided*

Liam Christopher RITCHIE (Conservative Party)

*no candidate photo provided*

I am proud to call Southwick home, but I’m concerned about what is happening locally.

680,000 tonnes of raw sewerage were pumped into the sea in 2019.

Used condoms, sanitary products and human faeces were washed up on our beaches.

This is the consequence of inaction.

The Conservatives have taken the fight to the Council, to developers, and to Northumbrian Water Limited.

For a strong, local voice to stand up to the council and the big developers, vote Conservative in May.

Morgan Joseph SEED (Green Party)

As a Green councillor, I would dedicate more funds to cleaning up the streets, focusing on areas that have been prone to fly-tipping and the dumping of waste.

This same principle applies to dog waste and the lack of its proper disposal by an inconsiderate minority.

These issues pose large threats to our enjoyment of our green spaces.

These should not be spoiled due to laziness.

Enforcing the clean-up of waste, and carrying out the necessary penalties, will make sure our green spaces are protected.

Fixing problems like this will help majorly improve the ward in the long term.

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