What would you do for Amble? Young people question our election candidates
The Ambler’s young reporter Stephen Addison has put together some questions for each of the candidates in the upcoming by-election.
On Thursday 1 October 2026 there is a county council by-election for the Amble ward because of the death of Cllr Arty Hume. There are four candidates:
Jenny Richards for The Conservative Party
Amy Spriggs for The Labour Party
Warren Ladyman for Reform UK
Michael Joyce for Restore Britain
Jenny Richards
Q: How will you get the town a fair share in county hall?
Q: How would you bring infrastructure for things which aren’t housing, such as healthcare and what specific infrastructure would you want to bring?
Q: What do you think Amble needs to do for the environment?
📷 Jenny Richards
Jenny says: Having been involved with the recent bid to retain the sports hall and being chair of the Hauxley Grange Residents Association I understand how local authorities work. I already know many of our County Councillors and officers. I have been working to get Amble its fair share since joining the Town Council not just because there is an election. I will use my experience to ensure Amble has the best representation from day one.
I would like to see additional leisure facilities in our town, having been heavily involved in attempts to retain the sports hall for community use I know how important this is for all residents of Amble.
Amble has a few large housing developments over the last few years and none of them currently meet the environmental standards they are supposed to meet. I will start by ensuring residents get the standards promised on our new build. Our environment is important, developers must do better in finishing these areas.
Amy Spriggs
Q: How will you use your experience at Hadston House to help Amble?
Q: Name 3 things you would do for Amble? How would you make them happen?
📷 Amy Spriggs
Amy says: Working at Hadston House has given me a huge amount of experience that I can bring to the role of County Councillor. Every day I work directly with local people from young people and families to older residents who may be lonely or isolated. I’ve helped organise youth activities, trips and events, supported our Meals on Wheels and luncheon clubs, helped people access support and worked alongside lots of different organisations. It’s taught me that getting things done isn’t always about having all the answers yourself. It’s about listening to people, bringing the right people around the table, finding funding and then following things through. I already work with and support people from Amble through my role, so I understand many of the issues people are facing. If elected, I’d use that experience to be a hands-on, accessible councillor who works with the community rather than just speaking for it.
Three things I would do for Amble: 1. Create more opportunities for our young people. One of my biggest priorities would be making sure young people have a genuine voice in Amble. I’d like to create opportunities for young people to regularly tell me what they want to see happen in their town, rather than adults always making those decisions for them. I’d work with our schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, community groups and local businesses to look at affordable activities, youth provision, work experience, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Working together is the only route to success. I’d also make sure young people know what opportunities are already available and how to access them. By working with groups I’m part of like AIM North East who already offer sessions in Amble but need a larger reach so more can benefit. I’ve worked with young people through Hadston House and I’ve seen what happens when we listen to them, give them responsibility and provide somewhere positive to go. I’d bring that experience to Amble. Fantastic organisations already operate in Amble and a big question I’ve been thinking about is how can I help them thrive more.
2. Fight for investment, jobs and opportunities in Amble Amble has so much going for it and I want to make sure we continue building on that. I’d work with local businesses, community organisations and councils to bring investment into the town, support our high street and tourism economy and, importantly, make sure that investment creates opportunities for local people. I’ve watched and learnt from Scott over 5 years and have gained valuable experience built up, but also have the comfort to know I could work closely with him and allow him to help me. I’d actively look for funding opportunities and bring organisations together to develop projects that can attract that funding collectively so everyone can thrive. I’d particularly like to see stronger links between local businesses and young people so that more of our young residents can access work experience, training, apprenticeships and ultimately good jobs locally. We’ve already been doing some of this locally with the “day in the life scheme” being a councillor would help give me a platform to do more of this. We shouldn’t just be talking about what Amble needs today. We should be asking what we want Amble to look like in 10 or 20 years and making sure younger generations are involved in shaping that future.
3. Get the everyday things right Not everything needs to be a huge project. Residents talk to me about the everyday things that affect their lives roads and pavements, dropped kerbs, crossings, public transport, litter, housing and making our streets and public spaces feel safe and looked after. I’ve already been speaking to residents about some of these issues during this campaign and have a list of things that need done. I won’t make promises about things a County Councillor can’t personally control. What I will promise is that when somebody comes to me with a problem, I’ll listen, find out who can do something about it and keep chasing it. I’d hold regular drop-ins for residents to informally come to see me in confidence, but I’d also make myself available online and get out into the community. I don’t expect everyone, particularly younger people, to want to attend a traditional councillor surgery. Most importantly, I’d keep people updated. If something can’t be done, I’ll explain why. If it’s taking too long, I’ll keep pushing. For me, being a councillor isn’t about turning up at election time. It’s about being local, accessible and visible all year round and working hard for the community I call home.
Warren Ladyman
The candidate has not replied.
Michael Joyce
The candidate has not replied.
The election on 1 October 2026 is only for the Amble ward and does not affect the Amble West with Warkworth ward
