No support for homes

The newly chosen Lib Dem candidate for Fulwell has delivered his first leaflet, but in the fifth paragraph he accuses the two Conservative councillors for voting for Siglion’s plans for the seafront.

This claim is totally untrue. I have campaigned against the plans ever since they were first mooted.

I have handed in a petition signed by over 300 residents and visitors to the seafront all of whom, although they wanted a new development, wanted leisure facilities to replace those lost when the Crowtree Centre closed. They wanted a swimming pool, ice rink and other facilities which would create a year round attraction for the people.

Siglion at its first meeting in the Marriott Hotel, back in October 2015, asked a selected audience what it wanted.

I have campaigned ceaselessly for leisure facilities which people can enjoy and, which would provide a healthy lifestyle for young and old. The plans by Siglion and the university will take up scarce green space that was bequeathed to the people of Sunderland many years ago. Yes, there is a need for housing but not at the seafront and certainly not in the numbers that are being considered.

Miller Homes also held public meetings to explain its plans, however, they were held at times when the majority of residents were at work.

It also conducted traffic impact surveys in January this year, but many residents kept off the roads so how accurate was that?

Both developers need to rethink their plans and think about the effect the loss of irreplaceable green space will have in the future.

Coun George Howe,

Conservative Fulwell ward