FOUR CANDIDATES FOR BY-ELECTION

The by-election takes place on August 17.

The Seagulls candidate is Ed Bassford, who lives in Firle.

He is one of the founder members of the Seagulls Party, which was only launched in June by disgruntled Brighton and Hove Albion supporters who are angry at Lewes District Council's opposition to a new stadium at Falmer.

Mr Bassford's campaign will focus on the need to change the way Lewes District Council works and to involve the public better in its decision-making processes.

He worked as a public transport planner in local government for more than 25 years and now manages a community transport operation in Brighton and Hove.

Ringmer man Professor Peter Gardiner is the LibDem candidate.

The retired civil engineer said: 'There are many crucial issues that need to be addressed in Ringmer, including close monitoring of planning applications, encouraging affordable housing for local young families, and providing adequate public transport provision.'

The Conservatives have picked Paul Gander, a kitchen fitter of Ringmer, as their candidate.

He has lived there since 1984.

His main platforms are seeking flood defences for Ringmer, more affordable housing and a pedestrian crossing near the Harrisons Lane junction on the B2192 to make it easier for school children and people on mobility scooters to cross the road.

He also wants to reduce traffic, particularly lorry traffic, in Ringmer, South Heighton, Beddingham, Glynde and Firle.

The fourth candidate is Labour's Trevor Hopper of Lewes who is an Open University teacher of history.

He is especially interested in transport issues.