Villages celebrate a trio of ‘yes’ votes in referendums

More than a fifth of East Preston turned out to the ballots (20.73 per cent) with almost 92 per cent – some 939 residents – voting ‘yes’ to the village’s plan.

This compared to just 83 who opposed the scheme.

A similar turnout was recorded in Rustington, with 20.43 per cent of the village casting their votes.

Once again, and it was an overwhelming victory for the area’s plan, with 2,186 backing the document – equating to one of the highest ‘yes’ votes in the district at 93.54 per cent.

Almost 150 were against the plan, with two papers being spoilt.

Rustington parish councillor Steve Perry, chairman of the neighbourhood plan steering group which compiled the document, was overjoyed at the result.

He said: “I am delighted that the people of Rustington have voted to accept the neighbourhood plan, and I trust the Rustington neighbourhood plan will serve them well for the next fifteen years.”

He added: “ I would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work over the last two years or so.”

The parish council’s chairman, councillor Graham Tyler, also wished to praise all those who made the plan possible, and thanked the community of Rustington for their interest in engaging with the neighbourhood plan process.

Overall turnout in Kingston was the highest, with almost a third of the village having their say (30.78 per cent).

Of those who took part, an overwhelming 96.45 per cent (163 people) voted yes, compared to just six against it.