I WOULD like to clarify my stance against the use of slurry seal – now called footpath surface treatment (FST) – which is used to treat broken footpaths.

I still consider that although this substance is very cheap, its short life does not make it an economic consideration.

When I was elected to Durham County Council, one-half of the paths in Parkside, Spennymoor, were re-surfaced using FST.

I was quite annoyed when broken bricks were not replaced as promised. I sought advice on a rolling program, starting from the other half of Parkside, re-surfacing paths with the much more expensive Tarmac.

This was jointly funded using council members’ money. I also funded all of Rosedale paths with the intention of continuing down from Westerdale.

I was not elected, hence I could not finish my program, which was based on the oldest paths being done first.

Since 2013, these paths have been surfaced with the cheaper footpath surface treatment, as was the much wider, much used main Mayfields to Ox Close School path which I had to get repaired within months of the work being carried out.

I had called for this busy path to be resurfaced with Tarmac and I consider the work carried out is not up to standard.

Spennymoor Liberal Democrats will continue to call for quality workmanship, whether it is when repairing paths or potholes.

Our council tax payers should have value for their money.

Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat Candidate, Durham County Council