Meet the candidates for the St Michael's ward of Sunderland City Council up for 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 St Michael’s are:

John Leonard APPLETON (Green Party)

St Michael’s is a great place to live and I believe that by listening to residents we can make it even better.

As a Green, I believe in grassroots democracy.

Local people should have a say in what goes on in their neighbourhood and should expect their concerns to be listened to and acted upon.

As a Green councillor, I will not be subject to a party whip and can represent your best interests, rather than playing party politics.

Sunderland must adapt to the climate emergency and its people must have a say in shaping that brighter, greener future.

Lyall Jonathan REED (Conservative Party)

Having lived with my family in St Michael’s Ward my entire life, attending Hill View Infants, Juniors and then Southmoor Academy, this is the only home I have ever known, and I would be honoured to represent it.

Over the last nine months I have been involved in many efforts to support our community.

With litter picks across the ward, the collection of donations for the elderly, and the delivering of Christmas presents to those who were shielding, I have worked to support St Michael’s ward throughout the pandemic and I will continue to do so if elected.

Having been run over by a car on Stannington Grove when I was just 5 years old, I recognise and understand the dangers of speeding in the area.

I will work closely with Cllrs Dixon and Wood to continue the community led approach to improving road safety in our area.

Chris SMITH (Labour Party)

I am a passionate resident of the St Michael’s community; I work locally as a firefighter and I recently featured in the Sunderland Echo for saving my next-door neighbour’s life from a house fire while off duty.

Speeding has been an unaddressed blight on some of the main roads cutting through St Michael’s and something I have been working with the Police Crime Commissioner to resolve.

I want a cleaner, safer Backhouse Park and I will bring more community support officers to the area to increase police visibility and tackle antisocial behaviour.

I am keen to see the park become a focal point for families, with activities to engage all ages.

I am a keen supporter of music venues in the ward, working closely with Independent and The Point and Pop Recs.

I am determined to address issues in St Michael’s ward that will ensure it is a safer and more attractive place to live.

Colin Andrew WILSON (Liberal Democrat)

*no candidate photo provided*

I am fed up to the back teeth with Sunderland City Council.

For too long, the council has been run without any effective opposition.

Council tax payers’ money on pet projects whilst vital local services lose out.

If elected, I will be a strong opposition voice at the Civic Centre, challenging the council when they get things wrong.

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