Introduction
It is with sadness that I have to report the death of former Town Councillor Ann Campbell.
The Town Council has 21 elected Members. For 2024-2025 these were:
Councillors Kerry Angus, James Bonsall, Donna Brennan, John Defty, Phillip Dowell, Richard Elvin, Dave Geddis, Lynsey Gibson, Josh Green, Pauline Hall, Steve Holt, Bill Little, Roz Meadows, Harry Morton, Kathleen Pearson, Mark Pigdon, Kay Rowham, Donna Thomas, Susan Waterston, Christine Willis and Sam Woods-Brass.
The Town Council meets every 3rd Monday of the month (excluding August) at 7.15 pm in the Council Chamber at The Hetton Centre (6.00pm November – February) and occasionally at other venues in the district. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is a public participation section (lasting up to 30 mins) for members of the public to raise their concerns.
If these concerns cannot be answered at the meeting, we will try and get answers.
The Town Council also hold meetings of a small number of Committees to consider specific aspects of Council business. Arranged on an occasional basis, members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings also.
Mayoral role
My thanks go to all Members and Committee Chairpersons who have helped throughout my year in office; delivering sound governance, community representation and a programme of events and activities for the benefit for residents.
Councillor Philip Dowell assumed the role of Deputy Town Mayor in 24-25 and I am grateful for his support.
My chosen charities for the year were Culture for Hetton and MS Trust. The two charities have now each benefitted from donations of £887.50.
Hetton Town Council – general
As part of a drive to enhance civic pride, the Town Council was successful in working with Bellway North-East to tarmac the area surrounding the War Memorial in Hetton Mini Park.
The Town Council is about to go-ahead and purchase several large planters for location at sites in the district.
2024 saw the Town Council again run a best kept garden competition and Champions of the Community scheme.
The Town Council has played a full role as a statutory consultee in the planning application process – listening closely to residents’ views and reflecting these in formal responses to Sunderland City Council. This has been a priority in 24/25 with high-profile applications attracting public attention and the Town Council’s pro-active involvement.
Anti-social behaviour has again blighted the district – the Town Council has been vocal in raising concerns on behalf of residents and vociferous in its liaison with the police and other agencies.
Community events
The Town Council again held its’ annual Armistice Day event in November and was pleased to be able to take on a key role offer in organising and supporting the Remembrance Day event at Easington Lane.
Now established Halloween and Christmas events were organised and held at The Hetton Centre (the home of the Town Council). These were well attended with positive feedback received.
A successful Easter Egg hunt was organised in Hetton Park, attended by around 150 youngsters.
The civic year events programme culminated on 8 May with a VE Day 80 commemoration for veterans at The Hetton Centre followed by a Beacon lighting at Hetton Mini Park. This was well attended and provided a fitting tribute.
Communication and transparency
The Council’s Facebook page continues to increase followers and demonstrates that the page has become an established source of information.
Information and documentation about the Town Council’s financial affairs is readily available, with the public able to attend meetings and hear “first-hand” the discussions around most financial decisions.
The close of this civic year sees Graeme Keedy, part-time Town Clerk stepping down after seven years in the post.
During his tenure, Graeme has overseen many improvements to the operation and governance of the Town Council.
On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to thank Graeme for his commitment, determination and professionalism.
The role of Town Clerk will now be taken up by Lisa Hall – who has the distinction of being the first female to fulfil the position in the history of the Town Council and its’ predecessor body Hetton Urban District Council.
The Town Council welcome Lisa and look forward to working with her.
Community Grants
The Town Council has continued to provide financial assistance to a range of community groups.
Beneficiaries throughout this year have been:
Hetton Home Juniors FC
Elemore Colliery Banner Action Group
Easington Lane & Hetton Disabled Club
Hetton & District Art Club
36 (Hetton) Squadron RAF Air Cadets
Hetton Local & Natural History Society
Hetton Amateur Swimming Club
Hetton Lyons Cricket Club
Moving forward
This report provides only a snapshot of the Town Council’s role and activities. Residents are encouraged to come along to meetings to see and hear at first-hand the work of their local representatives.
The Town Council looks forward to 2025-2026, playing a leading role in the local community with a continued emphasis on identifying and delivering residents priorities; working with partners and taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the Government’s proposed reforms to local government which are set to strengthen the role of the local council sector.
Councillor Susan Waterston
Town Mayor, Hetton Town Council
