Political war of words erupts over 'long-term decline' of town centre

A WAR of words has broken out between Conservative and Labour politicians over crime and anti-social behaviour in Stockton town centre.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

Labour’s Stockton North MP Chris McDonald urged people to support shopkeepers and market traders in a recent social media video.

He said while “everything isn’t perfect”, Stockton High Street was busier and safer with seven-day-a-week policing and improvements with Operation Shield.

However this attracted derision from Conservative councillor Niall Innes, who branded Mr McDonald “out of touch” and said residents asked if the MP was “for real” or “insulting their intelligence”.

The two politicians each claimed the other had been seen little in the town, and both Labour and Conservative figures said they championed the town, its people, its “fantastic” high street and “incredible” businesses, culture and community.

Cllr Innes, who represents Hartburn, said: “Local people know what Stockton is like.

“It’s clear from social media that the Stockton North MP is completely out of touch with what local people think.

“They know Stockton is not being helped by the Labour council introducing parking charges to town centre car parks and driving footfall away.

“There are some great businesses on Stockton High Street who have a lot to offer, they need our support and we Conservatives will continue to do everything we can to push the council and the police to be more proactive in tackling the issues.”

Mr McDonald responded, saying Cllr Innes made “petty political points” and “sits on the sidelines and talks down the town”.