THE newly-elected members of Barnard Castle Town Council are promising a fresh start after a host of new faces were voted onto the group.
Last year’s mayor John Blissett lost his seat in the west ward, bringing to an end of 17 years’ service.
Mr Blissett had received criticism from an employment tribunal judge for his actions in the unfair dismissal of the ex-deputy clerk, which led to almost £60,000 of taxpayers’ money being paid from the council’s reserves in compensation and legal costs.
Mr Blissett said he did not wish to comment at this stage.
Of the other two sitting councillors to seek re-election, only Frank Harrison was returned in the east ward.
Topping the poll in the west ward with 538 votes was John Moore, who formerly ran Fryer Tuck’s fish and chip shop and is well known for his work with the Scout movement across Teesdale.
Mr Moore said: “Regardless of how many votes the individual candidates polled, what is important is team working.
“Everyone has a lifetime of experiences that bring many varying gifts to the table. What is important is that everyone works honestly, with integrity and with Barnard Castle kept as the focus.
“The priority is to sit down and work together to identify the town council’s priorities.
“Council is many people and it is the gifts of those many people that matter, not the opinion of the one.”
In the west ward, toy shop owner Pauline Connelly came out on top, with 536 votes.
She said: “I would like to thank everyone who turned out on such a dreadful day to vote in the town council elections for both wards. Congratulations to all the elected councillors.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the members and working together for the benefit of the town.”
Two former councillors who resigned in the wake of the employment tribunal were voted back onto the council. Laura Drew said so many new faces meant there could be nothing but a fresh start for the council.
“What’s really impressive is the breadth of experience and skills that the new council has – I’m excited by the opportunity to start work with them,” she said. “I believe the two immediate priorities are to plan to support local businesses as we move beyond Covid and to begin the work of rebuilding trust with the town.”
Rima Chatterjee, who, with husband Roy, runs the Old Well Inn pub, said she was looking forward to hearing some fresh ideas.
“The new council has a heady mix of well meaning individuals. Their purpose will no doubt be to uplift and brighten Barney further.
“New people, from different backgrounds, will bring in fresh ideas.”
She added: “I hope to see us bring Barney out of lockdown successfully and plan for a busy and safe summer.
“Most of our usual events will not take place this year. Hence, it’s going to be different but can still be a good year.”
The new members”first act will be to attend next Monday’s annual council meeting, which will be held in St Mary’s Parish Hall, Newgate.
Election results
East ward: Pauline Connelly 536 (e); Rima Chatterjee 361 (e); Chris Foote-Wood 319 (e); Alan Coulthard 296 (e); Frank Harrison 293 (e); Peter Bigge 278 (e); Hilary Bond 260; Alison Thackray 153. Turnout 36.32 per cent.
West ward: John Moore 538 (e); Mike McLean 536 (e); Paul Ing 509 (e); Jan Thompson 414 (e); Chloe Walls 325 (e); Laura Drew 316 (e); Paula Rogers 211; John Blissett 201. Turnout 46.38 per cent.
