Councillors wanted for new Bexhill town council

An online event has been organised next Wednesday (February 24), to encourage people to consider standing as local councillors for the new Bexhill-on-Sea council at the elections in May.

The information evening has been arranged by the interim parish council’s administrator, Linda Butcher, in partnership with Rother District Council.

Councillors and officers from Rother District Council will be available at the event, together with representatives from the parish and town council sector, to explain what standing for election involves and to answer any questions members of the public may have about becoming a councillor.

Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council, said: “The establishment of the new Bexhill-on-Sea local council marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the community.

“Serving your community is extremely rewarding and I encourage local residents of all ages and backgrounds to join us at the information event later this month to ask questions and find out more about becoming a councillor. You really can make a difference.”

A group of Bexhill residents has also joined forces to encourage more people to stand as independent councillors for the new Bexhill town council.

The group, called Bexhill Together, is encouraging Bexhill residents from all walks of life to get involved.

Bexhill Together member Claire Baldry said: “We have called ourselves Bexhill Together because we believe that the new town council should work together with the community to support and to help regenerate our lovely town.

“We are looking for potential candidates to join us who have a strong track record of supporting the creation of a town council and who wish to listen to the people of Bexhill.”

Paramedic and Bexhill Together group member Ben Izzard said: “Our new town council is a great opportunity for Bexhill. Bexhill Together will support our fantastic community, and help shape the future of our amazing town by really engaging with the people who live and work right here in Bexhill.”

Rother district councillors approved plans in September 2020 for an 18-member council to be established. Although the new authority will be a parish council, one of the first items of business for the new councillors will be to agree that the council be styled as a town council.

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council will be made up of nine wards, and will work with the district council to agree what responsibilities and services should be transferred to the new authority.

Councillors elected this year will serve just two years and in 2023 there will be another election for the council to bring it in line with the District Council elections. Councillors will then serve for the regular term of four years.

Interested residents who would like to participate in the information event should contact the Democratic Services team at [email protected]. Alternatively the event can be viewed live from 6pm on Wednesday, February 24, via YouTube at youtu.be/j1d17-8LC_U.

More information about the new Bexhill-on-Sea council and becoming a councillor is available at www.rother.gov.uk/councillors-democracy-and-meetings/bexhill-on-sea-local-council.

* Got a story? Ring reporters Richard Gladstone on 07803 505794 or Stephen Wynn-Davies on 07393 754494.

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