Former Mayor aiming for political comeback

A former Mayor of Sunderland is aiming to make a political comeback.

Barry Curran, who was a sitting councillor until 2019, is bidding to represent the Fulwell ward on Sunderland City Council in the May elections.

Labour Party member Mr Curran has remained active in the community over the last two years

He previously represented the St Peter’s ward but has been active in Fulwell.

He said: “Many residents have reached out to report traffic related issues and to ask for my support in tackling them, given my experience on the council in the past. I’ve had reports of speeding vehicles at Cairns Road – mainly wagons – that are simply not being resolved by existing traffic-calming measures. Speeding is a problem that extends to roads across the ward, and is something I am keen to tackle.”

Mr Curran who has lived in the city all of his life, said: “Another common theme is problem-parking. A number of residents have been in touch with me regarding the grass verges in Kirkstone Avenue.

“The cars are churning up the grass and leaving mud on footpaths and driveways, which is a real nuisance for people living in the street. I have been in touch with the council’s highways department to raise the issue, and hope to be able to feed back to residents on progress soon.

“I’m fortunate that my many years sitting as a councillor allow me to navigate through the council and ensure that issues are raised promptly and with the right officers and councillors to get action.”