Anne Pickering - Independent

Northumberland Unitary Council

By Election in Hexham West (Leazes Ward)

Vote

ANNE PICKERING

As your Independent Councillor

To represent you on Northumberland County Council

Election Date Feb.4th 2016

Contact me on

01434 604279 or 07746642999

atpickering@yahoo.com

I was born in Hexham and have lived in Hexham or Oakwood for most of my life.

As a former Hexham district Councillor I have the interests of Hexham at heart, as shown by my recent work in trying to retain the current Bus station site.

Being an Independent, I am not bound by any political allegiance, and answerable to no whip, I can vote with my conscience, not the way I am told to vote by party leaders. The Labour administration is reliant on independents to stay in power, and I believe a vote for me will help the administration look more favourably on Hexham West than has been the case in the past.

I will stand on three general issues :- 

1.Democracy

2.Transparency

3.Clarity 

•    I will press for the NCC to be bound by the results of any consultation held by them. Formerly this has not been done, even though the electorate pay for these consultations.

•    I will press for all council discussions to be made easily available to all constituents and described in such a way that all the implications are explained.

•    I will press for all Council documents to be written in plain English

Business:- For the future success of local businesses in Hexham, car parking has to be sorted out, with or without charges. The 4 hour parking works well but the need for two hour parking could be altered to all day parking. Maintaining the Tourist Information centre and public conveniences are essential. I will also support the Hexham Bid to assist small businesses. 

Services :- We were promised that NCC services would be spread through the market towns of Northumberland. We need to ensure that this happens. 

Health: - With the centralising of emergency services at Cramlington there is a proven need for the provision of more ambulances in the South and West of the County.

Public facilities :- The library, arts Centre, sports facilities, tourist Information centre and public conveniences are at the heart of the town’s activities. Let us hope that the current audit of the separate Active Northumberland will quickly lead to a resolution of the work of these services.

Education:- I would really, really like Ashington College to reach the standard of Newcastle College so that the Northumberland Young People, and their fees, did not have to go out of the county for their over 16 education.

I have a record of fighting for what the people of Hexham want as I, with many others, including those from the Leazes ward, fought for the retention of a Bus Station on the current site.

I will work just as hard to represent you on other matters in the county council.

Please vote Anne Pickering X on Feb. 4th