Dear Sir,
I must take issue with Vince Crosby’s letter in last week’s Newton News, which claimed that the turnout of 17.4 per cent in the Shafto/St. Mary’s Ward by-election was the ‘lowest ever for Newton Aycliffe’ and, indeed, anywhere in which Mr Crosby has campaigned.
If Mr Crosby had checked the results of the September 2022 by-election in Woodham Ward, the turnout was a paltry 11.54 per cent!
Mr Crosby further states that both candidates used one single issue, the retention of a police station, in their election campaign. Not so. As the Independent candidate, I was campaigning on a variety of issues, from parking problems and anti-social behaviour, to police numbers (we don’t have enough!), to maintaining council services, regenerating the town centre, tackling quad bikers riding roughshod around the town, combating fly tipping, vandalism and more.
In fact, on the doorstep, one of the biggest complaints from residents was about anti-social behaviour and the lack of police to deal with it.
I agree with Mr Crosby that turnouts are disappointingly low. It’s sobering to think that just 63 people turned out to vote at Sugar Hill School and only 122 at Vane Road School.
Out of an electorate of 2379, just 415 people voted (including postal ballots) and the Lib Dem candidate won with just 260 votes – hardly a ringing endorsement at just 10.93 per cent of the electorate.
I care deeply about this town, as I am sure most residents do. But if you want a stake in this town’s future, it is important to embrace democracy, use your vote wisely and trust the Independents to stick to the truth.
Debbie Ingram