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.
Here are the candidates bidding for the prize in Hetton.
1. James BLACKBURN (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Once again, I have been selected by the Hetton Labour Party to stand as their candidate for the 2021 Sunderland City Council local government elections.
This year I will be standing as a Labour and Co-operative Party Candidate.
Our area has benefited from some excellent projects due to the Sunderland City Council’s continued programme of regeneration across the city.
Hetton Primary School is to be rebuilt costing in the region of £5.5m, giving the pupils who will attend a modern school to learn and thrive.
Sunderland City Council Hetton Ward councillors continue to work with officers and the Police to combat Anti-Social Behaviour and traffic the issues which are of concern to many residents.
Local area committee funding has allowed councillors to support many ward voluntary groups and societies.
Should I be re-elected I pledge to continue to make myself available to assist all residents. Photo: UGC
2. Ian David ELLIS (Liberal Democrat)
No candidate statement or photo provided Photo: Pixabay
3. Richard ELVIN (UKIP)
Having served as a Hetton Town Councillor since 2016, I have helped transform the council into a totally transparent and accountable body.
If elected, I will strive to ensure Sunderland City Council operates to the same high standards of complete transparency in all financial dealings, increased public participation, no behind closed doors decisions and a halt to excessive vanity project spending.
I believe in ‘open tendering’, whereby any interested suppliers may submit a tender to provide goods and services.
I will take a stand against corruption and political correctness whenever possible.
As well as representing my local constituents with their daily issues and local needs, the other areas I am keen to fight for are prioritising housing development on brownfield sites and providing more quality play parks whilst upgrading existing ones. Photo: UGC
4. Patricia Ann FRANCIS (Conservative Party)
I live locally with my husband and I’ve raised my family here.
I am a church volunteer and a passionate believer in people.
I am deeply concerned about the situation with Hetton nursery and believe that the people of Hetton have had a bad deal from Labour.
I know many mothers and fathers are concerned about the provision of nursery services in their area and feel very unclear about what the future holds.
Sunderland City Council has a poor track record on children’s services but, with a strong opposition councillor in Hetton, that can change. Photo: UGC