Double poll plans unveiled

Electoral Services manager Malcolm Constable, said: "The complicating factor compared to previous parliamentary elections could be the sheer number of postal votes as has been controversial lately."

The count will take place at Bexhill Leisure Centre on the Down in the wake of the De La Warr Pavilion's temporary closure. The parliamentary count will begin soon after poll booths close at 10pm.

County slips will be counted the following morning.

Mr Constable said: "The cards for the county elections said 9.30pm but this week's confirmation of the General Elections means that takes precedence."

The date for nominations at county level passed yesterday (Thursday), with those standing due to be officially named on Monday.

Nominees for Parliament have until April 19 to voice their intentions and will be identified to the voting public soon after.

The county council elections will have a major difference from previous year's with Bexhill returning four members from three wards; Bexhill East, Bexhill West and two from the new King Offa ward.

See next week's Observer for the provisional list of candidates.

Conservative candidate for the General Election Greg Barker will launch his campaign for re-election on Tuesday.

He will be in Devonshire Square with local supporters to map out his hopes and ambitions for both the constituency and the nation.

Speaking after the General Election was called he said: "I have been proud to serve our community as the MP for the past four years. It has been the most challenging and rewarding time of my life.

"If re-elected I will continue to stand up for our area and to help all local people, regardless of party affiliation."

Michael Jones will represent Labour, Mary Varrall the Liberal Democrats and Tony Smith UKIP.

To register for a postal vote or to have someone vote on your behalf, you must contact Rother District Council by Tuesday, April 26.

To change the details of existing postal or proxy votes, you should contact Rother by Tuesday, April 19.