Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Berwick-upon-Tweed, spent the morning on the election trail in Beadnell today, discussing concerns faced by local residents.
The biggest issue raised was ensuring all owners of holiday homes pay their fair share of business rates and parish precepts, to ensure the survival of communities in areas like Beadnell, in which up to 70 per cent of homes are holiday rentals.
Anne-Marie said:
"There is a real concern from the permanent communities in towns and villages such as Beadnell, that some owners are not paying their fair share, leaving residents footing the bill to maintain their communities alone. I want our tourism industry to continue to thrive, in conjunction with, not at the expense of the communities they rely on.
"I know a great number of holiday home owners pay their way, but not all do, and I will - if re-elected - work with the new Conservative administration at Northumberland County Council to ensure there is a fair, holistic way of ensuring everyone who benefits from our stunning coastal communities contributes to their long-term survival."