Labour pair declare early to contest Sidley seats

Former councillor and a past chairman of Rother, teacher Andrew Fleming, will be re-entering the political fray to mount a challenge on behalf of Labour, currently unrepresented on the 38-seat, 20-ward council.

Joining him at the hustings under Labour’s banner will be former retailer and USDAW union shop steward, and Sidley resident for the past 38 years, Maurice Watson.

The pair aim to focus on regenerating the village and protecting essential services and are already busy organising petitions, public consultation and action teams to promote their cause.

Mr Fleming, last elected in 1997, said: “We want to ensure policing and children’s services such as Sure Start are protected from budget cuts.

“Our goal is to help make Sidley a safe and thriving community.”

He added: “Campaigning to introduce higher targets for affordable housing, protecting tenants from higher rent rises and preserving contractual rights will also be high on our agenda.”

Mr Watson highlighted the need to resist cuts in bus services. He said: “Sidley residents without cars are stranded after 6pm. The bus service needs to be improved, not decreased.”

The two men, both of whom have strong links with local community groups and are known for their volunteer work, will be seeking votes during local elections in just over two months’ time.

Both Sidley seats are currently held by Conservative councillors, Robert Wheeler and James Carroll, the latter also being Bexhill’s present mayor.

• Labour lost its only seat on Rother District Council in May 2007, when council vice-chairman Samuel Souster, deputy leader of Rother’s Labour Group, was beaten in the Rye ward by the Conservatives.