James Wharton

I attended a lunch hosted by the Conservatives NE Regional Chairman with friends and fellow candidates.

I am quoted in today’s gazette story about the disturbing trend for life belts to be stolen and vandalised along the banks of the Tees.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/08/26/lifebuoy-thefts-put-lives-at-risk-on-the-tees-84229-24534926/

I was in Hartburn meeting residents and distributing a survey to gauge local opinion.  I had an interesting discussion with a local neighbourhood watch co ordinator about an issue that I will be taking up with Cleveland Police.

The Gazette have covered my calls for a clampdown on “boy racers” who speed around Teesside Park at night.  Many car enthusiasts visit the site and it is a small minority who drive dangerously and at high speeds, ruining it for everyone else.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/08/21/behind-the-tinted-windows-of-teesside-s-boy-racers-84229-24492932/

I attended a meeting with Stockton Borough Council officers to discuss arrangements for the general election.  One idea which is going around is to count the votes on Friday, rather than the traditional Thursday night.  I made clear my objection to any such move.