I think we need to look at life styles. The people who may die younger tend to have poorer diets and I think if you do not have a lot of money you tend not to choose fruit and veg. The cost of fruit and veg has to come in line with other foods. Also if you are from a poorer house you will eat more processed food and due to the stresses probably drink more. This is not true for everyone though. So food prices need to be fairer, educate on what is good for you, Moderation is best not abstenance. Also people on low incomes need to be able to earn more, so a fairer income. Minimum wages need revising as some young people have families but earn less then people over 21.

This is a terrible state of affairs and one that the Council has long been aware of. Some years ago we agreed on a set of policies which can be summarised as ‘One Darlington, Perfectly Placed. The ‘One Darlington’ bit is devoted to trying to close this gap.Obviously it is important that we work with the NHS in Darlington, which we do in all sorts of ways. Unfortunately there is probably one reason for the discrepancy and that is poverty. There are huge differences in income in Darlington, which is a national issue and very complicated. Basically we live in an unfair world. As a Labour party member, I am committed to trying to change this, but it’s a very long term aim.

Its about helping people to make the right choices regarding taking regular exercise, eating healthily, drink alcohol within safe limits and that sort of stuff. It is harder to reach adults on these subjects until their health suffers. I think the key is through good education in schools to prevent future generations making the same mistakes. If young people want to carry on with their education and get good qualifications and a good job they will be less likely to make bad choices such as smoking, drinking too much, taking drugs and becoming a parent before they are ready.

My ward is Eastbourne and it is classed as a very deprived area. I think it is dreadfull to think that someone’s Dad, Grandad, Uncle or Brother has less of a chance at life because of where they live. In my ward there have been many changes, particularly with crime and I know that the councillors have made a difference. Having a job is a factor to living longer, education helps because people need to know the right foods to eat and they would have a chance not to be poorly if they eat the right stuff and exercise has an awful lot to do with how long you live.

People in deprived areas need to know that they have options to make a success of themselves. In my opinion, many people in deprived areas follow in the footsteps of the people they know and this is the same for people in more affluent areas. Finding a solution to breaking this viscious circle is very complex how would you tackle this problem?

I represent the Park East ward of Darlington which covers some of the poorest and some of the richest parts of our town and it’s true that the life expectancy between the two is frightening. I believe that the only really effective long term solution is through education, both for young people and parents. I am a governor at Skerne park Primary school and they are doing some fantastic work in educating children and parents about making healthier choices in life. They have set up a school garden where children and parents are encouraged to grow and eat fresh vegetables. This may seem like a small project but I believe that it is a big step in the right direction.