Stephen Bates, Conservative Westminster candidate for Newcastle North was delighted to accept an invitation from Karen Jewers, the Conservative candidate for the Parklands ward on Newcastle City Council, to go litter picking in her area to help clean up the local environment. Stephen Bates said "I was deligted to accept the invite from Karen Jewers to join the litter picking party she had organised around Brunton and Melton Park. Karen raised the serious issue of litter to me and I have to say, I was very unimpressed by what I found. But it was great to get out there and see for myself - and to get my hands dirty - quite literally! It was also great that as a team, we could make a small difference locally. The day re-enforced my view that Karen Jewers is a first rate candidate and would be a real asset to Newcastle City Council where her positive can-do Conservative attitude is very much needed!"