ELECTION SPECIAL
THE Local Elections will take place on May 1st this year and here in Weardale, which now includes Tow Law, we will have two votes to elect two councillors.
In Crook, there will be three councillors elected and three votes for each person over 18. The Weardale Gazette offered all candidates up to 500 words and a photograph to be published before purdah no longer allows any unfair publication surrounding any candidate. Although we are aware there are others who have not responded to our call, including three Labour candidates in Crook, and perhaps an Independent in Weardale, we publish the words and photographs of those who have…
They are speaking directly to YOU. Please use your votes on May 1st.
WEARDALE AND TOW LAW
WILL WEARMOUTH AND RICHARD LAWRIE (CONSERVATIVE) WEARDALE AND TOW LAW
Having lived here for years, and served on the Areas Action Partnership, our local Parish Council, Show Committees, and helped set up Emergency Response Groups following Storm Arwen, we know that our area has plenty going for it.
But some things could be better, and that we need proper community leadership and a fresh start.
We are making a commitment to making ourselves available in person for regular surgeries throughout Weardale and Tow Law so you can speak to us.
We are also committing to giving updates on what we’re doing through regular newsletters and online, so you can see what we’re doing, and give us feedback.
Each County Councillor has an annual budget of £19,400 for local community projects. We’re committing to asking you how this money should be used. It should be spent on things that matter, and we’ll be fully transparent on how it’s spent.
Because money is tight, we’re also committing to not claiming expenses. Councillors get an allowance for their work, and we won’t claim anything beyond this, including on travel. You can see what our current Councillors have claimed here: Councillors Allowances – Durham County Council
We want better enforcement for fly tipping and anti-social behaviour, with regular on-site meetings with Council Neighbourhood Wardens, and to make sure they feed back to local communities. We also want to help provide activities and training for young people. Places like Tow Law feel neglected, but have great community spirit. We need to make sure we get the support from the authorities we deserve.
Rookhope Primary School has already closed because of declining pupil numbers, and we will defend local schools from closure. We need an economy that attracts people with young families. We’re surrounded by beautiful countryside, but we need to bring jobs and investment to develop our towns and villages. We’ll work with companies like Weardale Lithium and Northern Lithium to bring real jobs back, and protect green spaces whilst growing the local economy.
Good access to GPs and Dentists is also essential. Let’s be honest – money is tight and there aren’t any easy solutions. But services such as surgeries at Wolsingham and St John’s Chapel should be protected, and we’ve been keen to help explore things like new easier booking systems.
Protecting buses and local transport, and making sure timetables link is also vitally important. Late services are an issue, and rural routes are under threat. We’ve already raised issues at the County Council’s Bus Board, and will continue to actively listen and act on local concerns.
Every settlement in Weardale and Tow Law should have speed restrictions, and we’re campaigning to get villages like Eastgate made a 30mph zone. We need to tackle speeding and road safety. Other parts of the County and North-East get more attention to their roads, and we want to make sure our area gets the same treatment.
We’re out and about all the time – please get in touch if you have any issues, and thanks for reading.
ANITA SAVORY (INDEPENDENT) -WEARDALE AND TOW LAW
Dear Electorate,
my name is Anita Savory, I have always been a resident of Wolsingham.
I am married with two grown up daughters and two grandchildren. I have strong family values.
I have been privileged to be your representative as elected member for Weardale since the inception of the Unitary Authority. I take a keen interest in all aspects of daily life in Weardale and its many rural communities and residents, every person matters to me.
Each day brings new challenges, large and small. I try to resolve the problem quickly and quietly seeking resolution not publicity. I am visible within Weardale and always approachable. I demonstrate my commitment to Weardale by my involvement with many important organisations and groups which serve the Dale.
Education is crucial to our younger generation. I understand the need to ensure pupils have the best opportunities in education that will lay the foundations for their future career paths and destinations. I am Chair of Wolsingham School Governing Body, I am fiercely proud of staff and students and the reputation it has established within the community and beyond.
I am Chair of the Friends of Weardale Community Hospital in Stanhope/, a vital facility in Weardale providing excellent medical care and support.
Chairman of Weardale Area Action Partnership delivering projects large and small to benefit Weardale residents; the Skate Park in Wolsingham a free activity for children to enjoy. Assisting smaller groups with funding to help to make them sustainable. Providing funding for a rural advice worker who has assisted many families and individuals who have been in crisis.
Providing funding for a Health and Well-Being Coordinator helping individuals get the medical support they need. Providing funding for ANPR cameras in Weardale to reduce crime. Providing funding for a Speed Van to reduce speeding as this is always an issue in our communities.
I have funded the Winter Warmers programme where senior citizens come into Wolsingham school and receive a hot, nutritious meal, company and conversation from our pupils. I have funded the Senior Citizens Christmas Event there too
I am a trustee at Wear Valley Women’s Refuge providing a safe haven for women and children fleeing domestic violence – unfortunately incidents are always on the rise.
I am a member of Wolsingham Parish Council which addresses all aspects of daily life with the parish.
Chair of the Cornerstone organisations supporting victims with complex needs and issues.
Member of Weardale Railway helping to boost the economy and promote tourism.
Organiser and founder of Wolsingham Christmas Market.
I am a keen supporter of all three agricultural shows, a massive part of Weardale life, culture and heritage.
I firmly believe in community cohesion working together results in the best outcomes.
I welcome Tow Law into the Weardale ward.
I have never claimed any expenses for travel or sustenance.
If I am fortunate to receive your vote on May 1st, I make no false promises only facts and I will work hard, having your best interests at heart at all times.
CROOK
ANNE REED (INDEPENDENT) -CROOK
Hello,
My name is Anne Reed, and I reside in Crook with my family. I have grown up in this vibrant community and have had the privilege of representing the people of Crook as an Independent County Councillor since 2017. I am seeking re-election in May 2025.
As a Councillor, my role is diverse. I have served as the chair of the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where I have addressed critical issues such as child poverty and the role of family hubs in nurturing young children. This experience has been invaluable as a school governor for two primary schools in the Crook area.
I regularly attend meetings to monitor and make decisions on service delivery. I also communicate with various organisations, including the police, fire service, public health, housing associations, and the banking industry. Additionally, I take up issues on behalf of residents, addressing matters such as pest control and anti-social behaviour.
Over the past eight years, I have had the opportunity to participate in community events and contribute to the development of projects. For example, I co-organized an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of Diana, Princess of Wales. I was instrumental in establishing and supporting the free hot meals delivery service, ‘The Meals Orchard,’ during the pandemic. I also allocated funding to create ‘The Hobbit Hut,’ a tranquil learning space installed in the garden of Howden Primary School, where children can engage with nature while studying.
Responsibilities:
– Sourced and directed funding for the festive lights and Christmas tree.
– Initiated conversations with Barclays Bank directors, who assured me that a banking hub would be established in Crook on March 14th 2025, with up to five different banking organisations.
– Directed funding and opened The Community Garden at Foundry Fields.
– Campaigned for the establishment of a garden centre in Crook.
– Attended an event to commemorate the induction of Crook’s renowned football manager, ‘Jack Greenwell,’ into the Football Hall of Fame in Manchester.
Commitment:
I am fully committed to providing the necessary support to all residents, particularly in this modern society.
Election of a County Councillor:
Election of a County Councillor is not an employed position. There is no wage; instead, we receive a yearly allowance, along with the appropriate rate of travel allowance to and from Council meetings.
Key Belief:
Furthermore, I believe that prioritising people over politics is essential for the success and inclusivity of a community.
PATRICIA JOPLING (CONSERVATIVE) – CROOK
Can I first say a big thank you to the residents for the last term as your councillor and for all the help and support I have received.
I have served as a councillor almost 15yrs and found it very rewarding helping residents with all manner of problems from housing, planning, benefits, highways, parking, health issues, council complaints, everything that impacts on lives.
This job is not always easy and sometimes councillors cannot always help due to rules and regulations but I have always tried my very best. I have had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people and made friends along the way.
Crook has had a rough deal in recent years and as a councillor I have tried to prevent all the facilities that have disappeared. There is much to be done and I have been working with our assets department on a new all-purpose hub to be built on the Glenholme site. Funding needs to be applied for, using our partners, which is why I want to stand again. If I am lucky enough to be elected, that will be my goal.
Last year has been especially personally rewarding, having been awarded the British Empire Medal, made more special because I was put forward by Crook residents who worked hard to collect the evidence. A huge thank you to them. I have also had the honour of being Vice Chair of Durham County Council this year and this has taken me all over the combined north east authorities, promoting Durham on the way. I have also been Chair of the Adult Health Committee in the past.
Over the years, I have supported many groups such as Friends Together who are the beneficiaries of the Chairman’s Charity this year. Groups in Crook, North Bitchburn, Fir Tree, Howden-le-Wear, Helmington Row.
How did I spend my funding? Dementia Cafe, £1,500 for toilets, £1,100 cooker, £1,000 flooring, £2,000 meals during Covid period. Christmas meals, entertainment £2,000.
Howden Le wear, £2,000 new flooring, £4,000 new kitchen, £1,000 solicitors’ fees to abstain green space, picnic benches in the park £392, bridle path repairs £300, new fencing round the centre £2,103, new Bus shelter £350.
Firtree and Harperley Association, seating £67, Gazebo £150, portaloo and licence £150, Easter fair £100, tree decks £200, Pea Hill improvement £1000. Play area £3000, many small grants.
Crook Cricket, £1, 500, catering equipment, £1,000, nets £2,079 00 cooker and dishwasher,
Crook Youth Football Club, £2,775. Welfare facilities, £150 asset charges. Holocaust Memorial renovation £250, Christmas, £500.
Founders Field carriageway £4,150, Garden Place carriageway £25,948 – four years to include drains. Brass Festival £2,106 00 yearly. Festive lighting £1,327, Christmas Tree Crook, yearly. Cenotaph new lights £2,000. Baccanalia, entertainment for Crook, £1,000
Finger post reservation Helmington Row Centotaph, £800.
Worked with the Council to have the pathway surfaced from Fir Tree to Harperley.
And so much more over the last four years. I hope you will give me your vote to carry on in May.
MIKE CURRAH (CONSERVATIVE) – CROOK
My name is Mike Currah,
I have lived in Crook for 48 years. I attended Crook Junior School and Parkside Comprehensive. I studied hard and won a place at Oxford University, studying Engineering, Economics and Management. After a long corporate career, I now have my own logistics business delivering parcels for Amazon, employing c.50 people.
My wife, Sharon and I also do foster caring, including children with special needs.
I come from a family of public servants. My Dad, Max, is a retired policeman, my daughter Georgia works in the Civil Service in London and my sons Lucas and Isaac are in the Army and Police respectively.
My Dad is originally from Westgate and his brother Clifford lives in Stanhope. My Mam is from Stanhope.
For the past four years I have been a county councillor for Crook and the surrounding villages. I stood because I wanted to help the people of the ward and did not want Labour to continue running the county into the ground.
As a councillor, I have served on the committees for County Planning and Economy and Enterprise. On planning, I have tried to balance the need for new housing with residents’ concerns. I have pushed hard and secured funding for local community and sports groups and supported local residents with various concerns. Key groups funded have been Friends Together, Howden-le-Wear Community Centre, Dementia Support Café, Crook Community Centre and Crook Community Leisure. These groups (and many others) provide a brilliant service.
In the next few weeks, I will be out leafleting and campaigning in the ward, which now includes the additional areas of Roddymoor, Billy Row and Witton-le-Wear.
I would like to ask you for your vote in May, to continue this work and get more funding for Crook, Howden, Fir Tree, Billy Row, Roddymoor, Stanley and Witton-le-Wear.
PAUL BEAN (REFORM) CROOK
I am honoured to have been selected by Reform UK to represent the Crook division in the County Council election on 1st May 2025. This opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am committed to working tirelessly for the people of Crook and the surrounding areas. I believe that strong representation at the local level is vital to addressing the issues that matter most to our community.
I was born on the Isle of Man, making me a Manxman by birth. However, I spent my early years in Leicestershire, where I grew up and developed a strong sense of duty and service. As a young man, I made the decision to join the army, seeking the opportunity to serve my country and develop valuable skills. I was stationed in West Germany and, upon returning to the UK, trained as a military lithographic printer. My time in the armed forces shaped my character, teaching me the importance of discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
After leaving the army, I embarked on a career in the criminal justice system, dedicating twenty-five years to public service. Much of this career was spent in Northumberland from 2000 onwards, and I eventually made County Durham my home in 2008. My work primarily involved supporting young men in custody in the northeast, giving me first-hand insight into the challenges they faced. I came to understand the complex nature of crime and the socio-economic factors that often influence offending. I firmly believe that keeping young people engaged, productive, and proud of themselves and their community is crucial in reducing crime and building a safer society.
This is the first time in my life that I have felt compelled to step forward into local politics. The events of the past year in national politics have deeply concerned me, particularly regarding the erosion of traditional British values such as freedom of political speech and expression. As the late US president Ronald Reagan wisely said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” These words resonate with me, and I am determined to stand up for these fundamental principles.
However, my primary commitment is to the people of Crook and the surrounding area. If elected, I will serve the community with honesty and integrity—values I hold dear but believe are too often lacking among those in power. Above all else, safeguarding vulnerable people from harm will remain my top priority.
Crook, like all areas of County Durham, deserves significant investment to support business, social enterprise, public services, transportation, policing, and public safety. While securing funding is undoubtedly challenging, I will advocate tirelessly to ensure Crook receives the resources it needs to thrive, always putting the needs of the community first.
ROBBIE RODISS (REFORM) CROOK
My name is Robbie Rodiss. I am a candidate for the Crook Ward, representing Reform UK, in the local council elections held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.
I was born in Howden-le-Wear and attended the local infants school and then Wolsingham Secondary school. I moved to Crook when I got married and have lived in the town all my adult life.
After working at Ramars clothing factory and Todd Hills Brickyard, I joined Durham Constabulary.
I served as a uniform and detective constable for 35 years, serving across the county in the Drug Squad, general CID, Proactive Crime Unit, Major Crime team investigating murder and other serious offences and various Covert Intelligence units.
When I retired from the police, I wanted to help put something back into the town and area.
I was a Public Representative for the Three Towns and a school volunteer at the Oaks School in Spennymoor, working with children who have special needs.
I am currently a public representative for the Police Scrutiny Panel of the County Durham Police Commissioner, and I am actively engaged in local politics.
I have worked tirelessly to deliver a new community and young person hub for the town and surrounding villages, a resource that is desperately needed if we are to tackle the ever-present anti-social behaviour and also provide a safe environment for all the residents of that ward.
I have lived all my adult life in Crook and have seen my town change over the years from a vibrant town into a shell of what it had been. Our night-time economy is struggling, our community offer has disappeared, and young people are left to roam the streets with nowhere to go to keep them out of trouble.
Experience has taught us that we must be tenacious and focused to achieve our aims. I am determined that Crook and the villages receive much-needed investment to provide meaningful community resources for the area. I urge you to join me in this fight and help me achieve what our communities desperately need.
Our communities deserve a dedicated voice that genuinely understands the needs of Crook and the surrounding villages, and I would ask for your support on Thursday, 1st May.
ADRIAN SCHULMAN (REFORM) – CROOK
My name is Adrian Schulman, I am very proud to be nominated to represent the people of Crook and the surrounding villages by Reform UK on Durham County Council.
I was born and brought up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where I completed my schooling. After school I was conscripted to the Rhodesian Light Infantry where I served as a battlefield medic.
After I completed my National Service, I moved to South Africa and served an apprenticeship as a HGV and bus technician. I remained with the same company, eventually rising though the ranks, to become After Sales Manager at the biggest Truck and Bus dealership in the Country.
On moving to UK in 1986 I secured employment as a bus driver and ended up as an Operations Controller and bus driving instructor.
Upon my retirement I volunteered as transport manager with a Community Transport Charity.
While I fully support the National Policies of Reform UK, my priority will be the people of Crook and to restore the facilities to the town, that were removed by years of Labour Councils.
