James Wharton

I have received complaints from residents of the Green in Thornaby about the state of Sundial cottage, a listed building which is an important part of the heritage of the area.  The sundial is apparently in a dilapidated condition, which is a cause of concern to local people.  There are rumours that the Council will pay for the repair but I have checked and been assured that this is not the case – the owner of the property will have to pay to put it right.  The owner needs to realise that they have a duty to maintain this feature and should give it their urgent attention; whether they care or not they have a duty to the local community.

I attended the Stockton Conservatives summer garden party, kindly hosted by Ken and Carol Lupton at their home in Hartburn.  We were extremely lucky with the weather and, as ever, the food was excellent.  It was good to see so many local supporters in attendance and to catch up with people.

Last night I attended a fundraising dinner at Wynyard Hall, where former Prime Minister Sir John Major was guest speaker.   Sir John spoke eloquently and in some detail about both the past of and future for politics.  He is certainly a man of great gravits and his insight is superb.  It was the first time I have met Sir John, whos occasional appearances in the media to comment on important issues remind us of a time when we seemed to have a better class of politician.

Tonight I attended Hilton village hall for a meeting with the Seamer and Hilton Wind Farm Action Group.  Local residents are extremely concerned about plans to build a wind farm inbetween these two villages and it is clear that there are a number of questions to be answered.  The application goes to planning shortly and SHWAG have prepared their case well.  National government policy (supported by the Labour MP for this area, who seems to say one thing when here and do another when down in London!) is at best deficient.  For example, health and safety concerns are not considered at the planning stage and the standards for noise considerations are based on figures 28 years out of date.

A late night in the office tonight with members of Stockton Conservatives.  We were discussing the current political climate and some of the campaigns I am involved with locally.  I am extremely fortunate to be supported by a great local team, with representatives from each of the communities which make up Stockton South.  It looks like it is going to be a busy summer.