1 week Ago By [email protected] (Gavin Havery)
A former marine whose house was firebombed after he took a stand against antisocial behaviour in his village is standing for council. Sean Ivey’s family home was destroyed by arsonists when he confronted yobs in Wingate, County Durham , and made a public plea for action. Sean, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a teacher, is now hoping to become a councillor so he can serve his local community.
Sean said: "Antisocial behaviour is still a massive problem, but nothing seems to be getting done. "I dare not let my kids go out and play. It just does not feel safe.
"There are kids on motorbikes and quads shooting up and down the street, cars being set on fire. There is a hell of lot going on something needs to change, big style. It is scary.
" Sean's home, car and caravan were destroyed by fire in March 2021 and was rebuilt using money raised by well-wishers from around the country as he had forgotten to renew his insurance. The lifelong Newcastle United supporter also lost prized footballer memorabilia including a signed Alan Shearer shirt. After hearing of his misfortune, the Magpies legend video called him and sent over a signed poster and programme from his testimonial match at St James' Park.
Sean, his wife Kate and their two children, who are nine and 11, were able to move back into their home in December 2021. But Sean was once again targeted by yobs three months later when someone smashed the back window of his car with a brick. Sean, who teaches a uniformed services course for Northumberland College, at the Kirkley Hall Campus in Northumberland, said ongoing antisocial behaviour and the proposed closure of Wingate Community Centre made decide to stand in forthcoming elections.
He said: "I am absolutely fed up of the community being walked all over and fed up of nothing changing and there being no improvements. "You walk up and down the streets and it is a mess compared to what it once was. "Unless there are proactive people nothing is going to change.
" Sean was discharged from the Royal Marines in 2016 after suffering a serious head injury. He is now hoping he will be elected when the county goes to the polls on Thursday May 1. Sean, who is standing for the North East Party, said: "I have always said I am not a politician but I am positive and proactive and I want to see things change.
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