Author: Martin Harmer

The Reform UK led planning committee at Durham County Council has just approved the application by Barratts to build 299 new houses on land adjacent to Burton Beck Farm. 112 residents and the Town Council raised objections to this application, which was previously refused in Macrch 2025, highlighting serious worries about the impact this development…

I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me in this election. I am truly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. Thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who helped with my campaign – your support, time, and belief made all the difference. I couldn’t have…

With the local elections rapidly approaching, here are some key dates and information form Durham County Council. Key facts Important Dates Event Date (deadline) Register to vote Friday 11 April 2025 Apply to vote by post or vote by proxy by post, or make changes to existing ones By 5.00pm, Tuesday 14 April 2025 Apply to vote by proxy (not emergency proxies)…

This Week is Children’s Mental Health Week – Let’s Make Every Voice Heard! February 3rd – 9th marks Children’s Mental Health Week 2025, a vital time to highlight the importance of children’s well-being. This years theme is ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’, which is about encouraging children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness…

In their latest edition of “Focus on Spennymoor & Middlestone Moor” I noticed that the Liberal Democrats have chosen to post what could be considered to be deliberately misleading information about last summer’s by-election results. I strongly believe voters deserve transparency and honesty from all parties and Independents, not manipulated narratives. In their graphic, the Liberal…

At the last election, the Liberal Democrats repeatedly highlighted my past membership of the Labour Party and my time as a Labour councillor on the town council. I want to take this opportunity to clarify that I no longer have any connection to the Labour Party and have no intention of ever rejoining. I resigned…

Following the disappointing by-election result last year, I promised that I would not be the type of candidate that disappears if they fail to get elected, and although this years local elections are still several months away, I am pleased to announce my intention to stand again for election to Spennymoor Town Council. My goal…

I am deeply worried about the imminent danger facing some of the most vulnerable members of our community this winter. The Government’s proposal to remove the Winter Fuel Payment leaves many of our elderly residents, who are already teetering on the edge of fuel poverty or barely managing their finances, at serious risk. Winter Fuel…