People at the heart of community life are fantastic representatives on the Council. Following last week’s introduction of our ex-military personnel, I want to introduce the next group of people who’ll be standing to champion many of YOUR home areas in May.
Cllr Philip Thomson (top right) is a brilliant representative for Saltburn and is Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Conservative group leader. Philip was heavily involved in the recent successful Coastal Revival Fund bid for Valley Gardens, and is an active member of a huge variety of groups in Saltburn including the Neighbourhood Action Partnership, Saltburn Community & Arts Association and Friends of Saltburn Library.
Tony Gatehouse (top centre) is standing in Loftus, where he has spent the last 10 years building the Loftus Community Hub, providing invaluable services for local residents as well as a base for some fantastic start-up businesses. Tony's incredible enthusiasm for helping Loftus to thrive will make him a fantastic representative for the ward.
Julie Craig (top left) is at the centre of life in Skelton. She runs Cafe Creations, talking to hundreds of local people every week from her popular base on Skelton Industrial Estate. Alongside this, she runs a busy training company helping people into work.
Jill and Tony Coleman (bottom right) are the Conservative candidates in Marton West. Tony and Jill are passionate about Middlesbrough and are hugely experienced campaigners for good causes. These range from ensuring lots of space for dogs to enjoy off the lead in Albert Park to helping organise the petition against the demolition of Middlesbrough bus station which gained over 5000 signatures. Around their campaigning, Jill and Tony are also hug supporters of Guide Dogs and can often be seen with a dog in training!
Since arriving in Guisborough, Anthea Over (part of the fantastic litter pick team pictured bottom left) has thrown herself into town life. She is also part of a project combating loneliness and she wants to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Guisborough Ward.
I am looking forward to working with these amazing people over the course of the campaign and hopefully with them as councillors from May!