Dear Editor
May I correct a misimpression in last week’s Newton News.
Councillor Dan Summers, Town Councillor for West Ward, has been a very good councillor.
When he was elected, Cllr Summers was 18 years old.  We selected him because we valued the contribution that youth could offer.
After the election, his attendance was good, he served on a number of outside bodies (particularly on the Aycliffe Youth Council, where he was highly effective), and he often spoke at meetings on behalf of the people of his ward and younger people in the town.
Last summer, Cllr Summers was given the opportunity to work abroad for a number of months.  He took advice from senior councillors, and asked formal permission from the whole Council.  We agreed, because we felt that a spell working abroad would widen his experience and make him a better councillor.  During the time he was abroad, he drew NO allowance.
Returning to Aycliffe, he again performed his duties well, and the residents of his ward can be proud of their young councillor.
This spring, Cllr Summers was given the opportunity to turn the experience of last year into a career opportunity.  Again, he acted properly, asking advice from senior members, who advised him to consider his options carefully – which is what he is doing at the moment.
Cllr Summers is community-minded and politically principled.  His behaviour in this matter has been impeccable throughout.  He is now 20, at the start of his career and adult life, and only the worst misanthrope would not wish him well as he decides his future.  It is unacceptable that he should have to do so against a background of what amounts to public hate-mail.
And people wonder why no one wants to get involved in politics.
John D Clare
Press Officer, Great Aycliffe Town Council Labour Group