Meet the candidates for the Washington South ward 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.
By James Harrison
Published 4th May 2021, 15:07 BST
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 Washington South, where two positions are up for grabs, are:
5. Louise Anthea Florence FARTHING (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Trees – I have initiated a tree management pilot in Ayton, which was well received by residents; I am campaigning for this to be normal activity across the ward.
Litter – I have supported and set up community voluntary litter picks across the area. A local enforcement officer has been employed. I am now pressing for the installation of cameras to help catch the culprits.
Parking – In Ayton and Oxclose parking is in short supply so I have been working with officers to create additional spaces and want to see the plans become a reality.
Flowers and Trees – I have organised wildflower beds for Rickleton and Oxclose plus additional bulb planting in Ayton and the ornamental tree planting along Raby Road.
Holly Park flood alleviation scheme – I am demanding action to remedy the water logging of fields and muddy paths.
Ayton Play park – The stop gap surface to allow reopening for the summer of 2020 is being replaced with a more durable permanent surface for all season use. Photo: UGC
At 24 years old, I have lived in Ayton and Oxclose my whole life, as well as been educated at Oxclose Nursery and St John Boste primary school.
Residents of Ayton may recognise my name as I also run the residents’ association via social media.
We need younger voices on the council and a new outlook towards how Sunderland moves forward as an area, my pledge to the Residents of Oxclose, Ayton and Rickleton is to ensure Sunderland builds a sustainable, greener outlook in the future.
Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future. Photo: UGC
I have always lived locally and have worked in different parts of Washington since I was 18 years old.
Over the majority of the last 12 months as a bus driver, I have been a key worker helping other key workers make their essential journeys.
I believe that Washington deserves a strong voice on the Council rather than elected representatives being the voice of the council in the community.
I have sided with residents in important disputes by standing alongside residents of Oxclose fighting for fairer tariffs for those on communal heating systems and I have made Ayton residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour known whilst others stayed silent.
I hope you can put your trust in me in the May elections.
In return I will be a strong voice for Washington South residents and for Washington as a whole. Photo: UGC