In the summer of 2022, Mary ran her healthy high streets campaign, asking residents and visitors to the city what they would like to see to make Durham a more attractive city.
Through an in-person and online survey, Mary received hundreds of responses that highlighted the popularity of Durham’s independent retailers, the lack of accessible facilities, public toilets and baby changing facilities and the limited hours of the Park and Ride Service.
Following her campaign, Mary presented this information to Durham County Council with a series of asks:
- More support for independent businesses, through tapered business rates support
- More council owned and operated public toilets and baby changing facilities in the city centre
- Extended hours for the park and ride service, catering for those visiting the theatre or cinema, or shift workers returning home in the evening.
Subsequent to this, Mary met with the council leadership, who had reviewed the data and are looking into introducing some of the measures that residents and visitors suggested. Mary will continue to liaise with the council on these and push for more action on making Durham the best it can be for both residents and visitors.
