Councillor demands passion for villages from County representatives
HUNWICK’S district councillor has challenged his ward’s two new unitary representatives to be more passionate about the village.A Durham County Council review into Hunwick Community Centre has taken more than three years and Cllr Ken Bowser said it’s time something was done as the county council owned building is “riddled with asbestos” and in urgent need of repair.
Cllr Bowser said: “Something needs to be done but Durham County Council is dragging its heels and clearly has no intention of taking responsibility for its own building. Both Brian Myers and Becky Brunskill are aware of the situation and they need to remember that their new ward includes us so-called “surrounding villages”
Cllr Bowser was defeated in the unitary authority elections for the Willington ward, which includes Hunwick, High Grange and North Bitchburn, by Becky Brunskill and Brian Myers, and says it is the start of the villages being neglected.
Cllr Bowser said: “It was my worst fear realised when both Willington candidates were elected for the new unitary authority as neither of them seems to show much interest in what is happening in Hunwick, North Bitchburn and High Grange. “They refer to us as the surrounding villages, but they should name us each and every time.” Cllr Brian Myers, who was recently made vice-chairman of the new unitary authority, said:
“Cllr Bowser is talking rubbish by saying this is the start of Hunwick and the surrounding villages being forgotten. I have been the county councillor for these villages for seven years and for the last decade have been vice-chair of Hunwick Primary School’s governing body of which I am still a member.
“I have been working with Hunwick’s MP, vicar and council officers to find a way to either refurbish the existing community centre or ideally rebuild it to reflect the needs of the community. “As newly elected vice-chair of Durham County Council I would like to reassure the electors in the villages that they will be treated equally with Willington and together, Becky and I will make sure the necessary representations are made in the corridors of power at County Hall.”
Members of Wear Valley District Council refused to provide any money to the centre after Cllr Bowser asked if they could fund a replacement heating system. Cllr Neil Stonehouse said: “This is classic case of Durham County Council trying to guilt trip us into providing money for its building. As they own the building they should pay for it.”
Cllr Bowser said: “I was embarrassed to go in there with a begging bowl but the centre needs money.” Members of the central resources committee agreed to ask Durham County Council to speed up a review and declare what, if any money will be provided.
