Our local economy is built on a mix of independent shops, tourism, rural businesses, and increasingly, remote workers. Corbridge’s high street is a vibrant hub, but traders face challenges around footfall, parking, and business rates. Events like the Tynedale Beer & Cider Festival, local markets, and cultural attractions bring in vital visitors – and need ongoing support.

In Riding Mill and across rural parts of the ward, digital connectivity is crucial. While full-fibre broadband is being rolled out, some homes and businesses still struggle with slow speeds or patchy mobile coverage.

Farming and rural enterprises are the backbone of our countryside economy, but they face complex challenges – from changing grants and planning rules to rising costs and environmental pressures. Their success supports food security, jobs, and the landscape we all love.

As your local councillor, I’ll back local shops, fight for better broadband and mobile signal, support cultural and tourism events, and stand up for farmers and rural businesses – ensuring our local economy stays strong, connected, and rooted in the needs of our community.

Tourism brings life and income to the ward – from Roman history and heritage buildings to festivals and events. Corbridge hosts cultural highlights like the Tynedale Beer & Cider Festival, local markets, and seasonal fairs that attract visitors and support local jobs.

As councillor, I will support cultural events, heritage promotion, and initiatives like Visit Corbridge – helping to keep our village thriving, welcoming, and on the map.

Footfall, parking, and business rates are major concerns for traders in Corbridge. Local businesses are the lifeblood of the village and vital to tourism and community identity.

As councillor, I will work with local businesses to promote the high street, push for fairer business rates, and back sensible parking solutions to help shops and eateries thrive without compromising village charm.

Farming is at the heart of our local landscape and economy. Our rural businesses – from family farms to independent producers and countryside services – face major pressures: fluctuating food prices, post-Brexit policy changes, rising costs, labour shortages, planning restrictions, and uncertainty around environmental schemes and grants.

Many farmers are also looking to diversify – setting up small-scale tourism ventures, selling direct to consumers, or branching into renewable energy or rural crafts. But planning and bureaucracy can make that difficult. Others simply want a fairer deal for the work they do to keep food on our tables and protect the land.

As councillor, I will:

Listen directly to local farmers and rural businesses to understand their needs and fight their corner at County Hall.

Support sensible farm diversification that protects the countryside while creating new income streams – such as small glamping sites, farm shops, or rural workshops.

Push for clarity and fairness around grants and rural support schemes, including proper communication with landowners about eligibility and deadlines.

Encourage local food and drink initiatives, linking local producers with pubs, cafés, and events like the Tynedale Beer Festival, helping keep value in the local economy.

Back policies that protect working farmland, promote sustainability, and keep rural jobs viable for future generations.

Farming isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life and a pillar of our community. I’ll make sure it stays that way.

Riding Mill has fewer businesses but relies heavily on good digital infrastructure. Poor broadband and patchy mobile signals have held back home workers and small enterprises.

As councillor, I will press Openreach and mobile providers to complete full-fibre broadband rollout and improve 4G/5G signal across the ward – making sure no community is left behind in the digital age.