Time for more local governance

Cllr Maurice Watson defecting to the Conservatives (without calling a by-election and seeking the backing of his electorate) might provoke residents in Sidley to ask how their elected members look after their interests.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Jun 2016, 17:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:23 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

However, there is also the small matter of St Mary’s Wood.  

This piece of land was up for auction, advertised on Savills website and then, just prior to the auction date in May, it was withdrawn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Residents who use the wood for leisure activities drew the sale to our attention and we have contacted Rother District Council to determine how it was that the local community were not consulted before this asset was put up for sale.  

This request was made under the Freedom of Information Act.

We have been told that the sale was discussed by our Conservative-led overview and scrutiny committee and then agreed by our cabinet (the majority of whom do not reside in Bexhill) last summer.

Asked why the site was withdrawn from sale apparently our council suddenly realised that this piece of land could a public open space – surely something Sidley’s elected members could have pointed out 12 months ago!

Perhaps, with the imminent boundary changes now would be a time for residents to push for Bexhillians to enjoy a more local style of governance whether it be town council or a separate area committee.

Rachel Hills

Member

Bexhill & Battle

Liberal Democrats

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:ResidentsSidleySavillsBexhill