A local councillor is to join the local barrow man in his ward to find out more about the local area. Coun. James Alexander will be joining the Holgate barrow round on 19th September and says he is looking forward to spending time with someone who sees the ward from a different perspective.

He said:

"Going around the ward with the barrow will be really useful for me. The person who carries out this role knows the ward in intimate detail - where the graffiti is; where vandalism take place and which areas attract people with nowhere else to go.

"I want to know where the issues are so that I and my fellow ward councillors can look at whether there is anything we can do to make the ward a safer and cleaner place.

"The barrow men all around the city do a great job, covering large geographic areas in often difficult conditions. I'm hoping I won't be out in driving rain but if I am, I shall be equipped for it!"

The session marks the next step in Coun. Alexander's aim to spend time on the job with the many individuals and teams who have a job to do in Holgate ward. He has already spent time with the Safer Neighbourhood Team as well as the local Street Environment Officer.

"I think it's important not to be complacent and always try and learn more about what is happening in your ward,", said Coun. Alexander. "I feel I know the ward well, but that should not stop me from trying to find out more and exploring every aspect of what goes on".