Mary has today launched an online survey, which asks members of the public what they think about Durham City Centre. 

As part of her ‘Healthier High Streets’ campaign, Mary is seeking the views of residents on the future of the city centre, and will be using these responses to press Durham County Council and central Government to take more action to improve the city centre. 

Along with members from the City of Durham Labour Party, Mary will be campaigning on improving the city centre over the summer, and will be speaking to residents and visitors to Durham in person, as well as meeting with independent businesses to see what more can be done to help them succeed.  

It comes as MPs are set to debate measures on High Streets in the next year following the Queen’s Speech.  

The launch of Durham Labour’s Healthier High Streets campaign follows a recent meeting between the MP and retail expert Graham Soult, where they discussed Durham City Centre, and spoke to local businesses about the challenges they face. 

Mary said

“City Centres are undergoing a period of transformation. We cannot ignore the impact that the pandemic and a shift toward online retailers has had on our High Streets. We know that more needs to be done to reinvent our town and cities centres, and I will be pressing the Government to back Labour’s plan for High Streets, but I’m also calling on Durham County Council to put a proper plan in place for the city centre, and to support and develop local businesses in the city.

I am really keen to hear the views of people who live in Durham or visit the city. It’s vital that the public views are part of any conversation about the future blueprint for the city centre so if you live in the city, or just visit from time to time, please visit my website and fill in the survey.”

You can find Mary’s survey below: