Dear Sir,

We have read Ken Robson’s election leaflet and have some questions.

(1) He says Newton Aycliffe does not have a cinema, theatre or bigger shopping centre due to “the failure of our politicians to act”.  How exactly, Mr. Robson, do you intend to bring a cinema and a theatre to Newton Aycliffe? When might we expect them?  Are you aware of the huge range of theatre events provided by the Labour councillors – Mad Alice Theatre, Hewin Goals, the Book Festival etc? Its EVENTS not BUILDINGS that we need to support & develop. Did you support the Brass Concert in the Town Park, last year?

(2) How will you bring a larger shopping complex to Aycliffe when the Neighbourhood Plan contacted well known High Street retailers and only three retail companies expressed any business interest in Newton Aycliffe?  Promises you can never keep?

(3) He twice states that he has ‘Integrity’, yet he “fully endorses” and has been endorsed by Arun Chandran who just a year ago was reported in the Northern Echo trying to “manipulate” a West Ward By-election by putting forward an additional candidate to split the Independent vote. Is this how Independents show integrity?

Aycliffe Reply Name & address supplied