Why I’m standing for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the local government elections.

Full statement

A few weeks ago, the little green men of NetZero visited Jesmond overnight and planted bollards cutting it in half. The imposition of the East Jesmond Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme has been too much for many. Its imposition symbolizes the widening contempt for people’s lives, freedom of choice and democracy that arose during the pandemic. I will do all I can to speak, vote and campaign against this and other ill-conceived schemes.

South Jesmond is a pleasant place to live. Residents expect Newcastle City Council to keep the streets clean, safe and well-maintained. There is a balance to be sought between benefits to the economy and vibrancy arising from a high student population and problems with litter and antisocial behaviour. These are issues that no agency can tackle alone and require cooperation between the Council, Universities, Student Unions, businesses and police. These challenges offer an opportunity for all the community to engage as citizens and contribute to the environment.

The Council can intervene when rental residential neighbourhoods suffer as a consequence of the behaviour of a small number of landlords or occupants.

Lockdowns were kind to some, but not to others. If elected, I will pursue opportunities to help small businesses, care home staff, and care home and other residents most adversely affected.

NetZero is providing justification for further encroachments on personal and economic freedom. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is the only political party whose common-sense policies offer a genuine challenge to the anti-democratic mainstream. On 4th May, I will be standing in South Jesmond for the SDP and my aim is to do what I can to oppose ill-conceived schemes based on naive policies and autocratic government.

Martin Evison