Elections

Durham County Council elections, 2021: Framwellgate and Newton Hall

Summary: Elections to Durham County Council in May 2021
Polling date: Thursday 6th May 2021
Division:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Ben GRAHAM  (Labour Party)
  • Joshua James GREW  (Conservative Party)
  • William HALFORD  (Conservative Party)
  • John HARDMAN  (Labour Party)
  • Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Jeanie KELLETT  (Labour Party)
  • Irene OSTLE  (Green Party)
  • Frances Mamie SIMMONS  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Mark SMEDLEY  (Conservative Party)
  • Mark Ashley WILKES  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Karon WILLIS  (Independent)

Candidates who have not yet responded are welcome to contact us with their replies to the questions for us to publish.

Questions for Framwellgate and Newton Hall division candidates (6 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6 

# Question 1

What experiences do you or your family members have of cycling for either transport or leisure? Bearing in mind that e-bikes can now make County Durham's hills easy, what would you consider to be the main barriers which prevent more people from cycling in your area, and how would you tackle these?

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

I don’t to be honest; I haven’t really cycled since I was a teenager. Part of this is that I lived in Nottingham City Centre for ten years and had no need to go far out of town, and didn’t really have the space in my flat for storing a bike for leisure.

Since moving to Durham I’ve needed a car as my commute is too far out for a bike, and I haven’t really had much opportunity to travel around for leisure! For exercise I tend to run rather than commit to buying a bike.

Barriers to entry for residents are that roads are busy and dangerous, bike storage, the added cost of buying and maintains a bike

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

Myself and my partner often take our daughters out cycling - we have a trailer for them to ride in and they love it! In regards to ebikes, I feel that for a reliable model prices may not be attainable for all - yet that being said, traffic is a far greater issue. It can often be very busy around our area, which can make road cycling slightly nerve-wracking!

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

I am an occasional leisure cyclist but close family members are keen cyclists.
I feel some of the reasons which prevent people from cycling in our area are:
Lack of safe routes.
Prohibitive cost of bikes, especially e-bikes and biking equipment.
Security/storage on arrival.
Lack of charge ports for e-bikes

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

I myself am disabled and therefore unable to cycle. My husband and son both have cycles that they use for leisure to cycle around our local area. They tend to stick to the rural cycle paths as the roads are quite busy and not all are wide enough for cycle lanes. We do have some cycle lanes around the area, and whilst they are regularly used, we do need to try and see if we can access areas around the local estates where children and adults alike could safely cycle to assist them in gaining more independence and life lessons.

# Question 2

Schools in County Durham have bike shelters but they are often empty. Children who might like to cycle are often driven to school because parents don't consider our streets safe enough for children to walk or cycle. What are your views about cycling as a travel option for children? What practical changes would you like to see in your area to enable children to cycle?

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

I think this question really needs to be in two parts - primary and secondary/college/sixth form.

For primary school age students then safety is almost definitely an issue, as well as parents not having the time to take kids to school, then return to get the car and then head to work. It’s a more general need to ensure that our roads, and our communities are safe for children to travel. To combat that we need to create a better flow of traffic, particularly around schools, and minimise the amount of parking that block residential streets.

At secondary age and above, the bigger issue is going to be that kids often don’t want to travel to school on a bike. They prefer the more social aspect of walking or getting the bus with friends.

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

Traffic is certainly the biggest issue in regards to children cycling in the area. With several schools in our area along with New College Durham, the potential for a much greener ward is there if safe passage can be guaranteed. Although I recognise improvements have been made in some areas, more safe crossing zones and safe cycling zones are required. For younger children, perhaps the possibility of parent-led ‘cycle parties’ at school run times could provide a short term issue.

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

To encourage cycling in my local area there needs to be prioritisation of separate, safe, cycleways.

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

Whilst there are cycle lanes around the area, I think if it could be possible to make it around the local estates where children could safely cycle to school to assist them in gaining more independence and life lessons.

# Question 3

The surge in cycling during the Covid 19 lockdowns showed how quieter and safer conditions encourage people to cycle. Cycling can help address many issues:

* the climate emergency, if people cycle instead of making shorter journeys by car
* social inclusion, because cycling is affordable and enables those on low incomes to access employment and other opportunities
* the health crisis, as exercise incorporated into journeys is very effective

How big a role do you think cycling can play in tackling these urgent issues? How can Durham County Council increase investment in cycling and quickly deliver safe, complete cycle routes to key destinations?

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

Encouraging more people to cycle will be a massive help in combatting the above issues, most effectively on climate change and tackling the health crisis.

DCC can promote this with more safe and secure areas to leave bikes, promoting cycle to work/school schemes, creating cycle only routes, and doing more to promote cycle proficiency, particularly among adults.

It would also help to outline efficient, low traffic routes that can act as arteries for cyclists - whether that is using disused rail tracks (like the lines in Brandon) or along the river to FMNH, where cyclists can travel easily without having to use congested or busier roads.

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

Investment in green solutions to travel is essential going forward for our communities, and cycling could play a big role. Cycle hire points in the city and park and ride areas could encourage shorter distance cycling in built up areas, with infrastructure set up to encourage and accommodate such a scheme. If initially successful, more frequent points could be established, with the potential for not just environmentally friendly travel, but also advertising opportunities for local businesses.

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

Cycling can play a very important part in helping to tackle our climate crisis. Cyclists cause little pollution or Co2 emissions.
Cycling is also great form of cardiovascular exercise.

Durham County Council should increase investment in cycleway infrastructure.
Signage for cyclists and walkers with information estimating time from points A to B on bike and on foot.

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

I believe cycling can play a role in tackling these issues, however now due to the varied after school clubs and time lines that parents have to have their children there by impacts greatly on more car use than cycling. I have seen more families participating in family bike rides during the Covid 19 lockdown and as I live near some of the main cycle routes these are used frequently, my thoughts are that DCC will have to review the all the roads to see where safe cycling could be applied.

# Question 4

Temporary protected bike lanes were put in on Front Street and Rotary Way to help people cycle safely during the lockdowns as an alternative to public transport and car use. Would you like to see these made permanent, and how could they be improved and connected to more destinations?

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

No, I’m my opinion these are more likely to cause an accident, particularly on Rotary way as they have narrowed the roads too much, and don’t offer complete protection to cyclists

If these were to be an option going forward, then we’d need to consider widening the roads/pavements to allow for a proper sized bike Lane.

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

The lanes mentioned I find to be too narrow for comfort, be it from a cyclists point of view or a motorists. To be made permanent more space would be needed. I would suggest wider pavements with cycle lanes to be a better option.

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

The temporary lanes in both Front Street and Rotary Way are a piecemeal provision. Cyclists feel, and are, more vulnerable in the wand lanes as compared with a cycleway separated from the road.
Cycle routes also need to be interlinked and continuous.

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

Whilst these lanes are a good idea, however due to the bollards that are used driving on Rotary Way I have never seen a cyclist yet, and the effect these bollards have pulling on your eyes at dusk is quite frightening. Resulting in traffic using other routes where possible. DCC need to re think the lane marking at both of these areas.

# Question 5

The housing development at Sniperley Park is likely to come forward as a planning application soon. What sustainable transport improvements would you like to see provided in order to minimise the impact on the road network of this large site? Will you secure good-quality cycling routes connecting to Framwellgate Moor and Durham city centre for access to employment, schools and shops, as envisaged in the Durham City Sustainable Transport Delivery Plan?

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

I’d like to see a dedicated cycle route that doesn’t follow established roads that goes directly from FMNH to Durham city centre. This would be a much safer, and more pleasant cycling experience than trying to cram onto already busy roads.

The idea being that cyclists could then get onto this cycle Lane at their nearest/most convenient access point and cycle directly to Durham in relative peace.

For housing developments, safer bike storage, wider roads/cycle lanes are a must.

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

Our area is going to grow at a rapid rate over the next few years as it seems. This cannot happen without supporting the infrastructure of transport networks and the well-being of our residents. As previously mentioned, the promotion and facilitation of cycling as alternative transport is essential if we take the climate emergency seriously. I would strongly advocate for any plans to ensure as much.

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

Good quality cycling routes need to be an essential part of any future development plans.
To enable cyclists to safely travel from Sniperly to the east of the A167 will require significant changes.

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

I feel that the Durham City Sustainable Transport Delivery plan is encouraging all but also feel now that l all developers now should factor into their plans areas of safe cycle access around these developments and storage, as well as the safe and easy access to electric car charging points. As well as ensuring that the Sniperley Park and ride, also encouraged other buses that would encourage others to park up and use.

# Question 6

Newton Hall has many facilities - schools, libraries, shops - and many people will be making short trips from their homes. Here are a number of ideas which might help people walk and cycle more and leave the car at home for shorter trips. Which of these would you support, and do you have other proposals?

* closing school streets at dropping-off time, to make the approach to school safer for walking and cycling
* raised tables across the roads where the many footpaths cross the roads, to slow traffic down and give pedestrians priority
* cycle lanes on the wider roads, like Carr House Drive
* using the old waggonway to provide a cycle route from Lichfield Road to Pit Lane
* reconfiguring the main roundabouts at Abbey Road, Newton Grange etc. to make them easier to cross on foot or by bike.

Ben GRAHAM
(Labour Party)

These are all great ideas. I would add on to that to consider a direct cycle-only route to Durham City Centre

Joshua James GREW
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
William HALFORD
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
John HARDMAN
(Labour Party)

I find all proposals very positive ideas, although closing streets at school times, although with good intent, would be impractical. I particularly like the idea of raised tables at crossing points, particularly in school areas. I would fully support this proposal. Also, using the old waggonway is a great idea - I think repurposing areas like this, along with others in the area like the old railway viaduct between Brasside and Belmont. If these things are achievable, I would be happy to fight to see them happen.

Amanda Jayne HOPGOOD
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Jeanie KELLETT
(Labour Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Irene OSTLE
(Green Party)

I would support a version of all of the above ideas:
It would be feasible to have a bus only link during school entry and exit times.
Raised tables to slow traffic to give pedestrians priority.
Separated cycle lanes-provision of wand lanes cannot be considered a permanent solution.
Using the old waggonway as a cycle route is fine but there needs to be a network.
The roundabouts could have pushbutton control traffic light at an appropriate distance to enable cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely, as at County Hall.

Frances Mamie SIMMONS
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark SMEDLEY
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Mark Ashley WILKES
(Liberal Democrat)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Karon WILLIS
(Independent)

I think all of the points set out above could be looked at and if practical and could be effective implemented. Though with more people relying on grandparents to childmind this brings in a different demographic. And we need to be aware of ensuring that DCC is all inclusive.

SPACE for Durham is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by SPACE for Durham, c/o 35 Archery Rise, Durham, DH1 4LA.