Call for residents to have say on town council

Residents are being urged to have their say on how Bexhill is governed in the future.

More than 1,000 responses have been received since a consultation into the creation of a town council was launched last month.

The public consultation, part of a of a Community Governance Review, gives members of the public, business owners and organisations the opportunity to have their say.

Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for regeneration and Bexhill affairs and chair of the Community Governance Review Steering Group, said: “We are delighted with the number of responses we have received so far. This is a significant decision for Bexhill and we want to make sure as many views are considered as possible.

“We want to hear from anyone of any age who has links to the town whether they live or work in Bexhill, have family here or own a property. We are particularly keen to hear from young people who are so far under represented.”

While people are encouraged to respond to the consultation online, those using the leaflet delivered to all Bexhill homes can add more than one name to the return slip. Any residents who have not received a leaflet are encouraged to either go online and respond to the consultation or collect a leaflet from the Town Hall.

The results of the six-week consultation will be considered by Rother District Council’s Community Governance Review Steering Group who will draw up draft recommendations for Full Council on whether or not a town council should be created in Bexhill in 2021.

If created, a town council could develop a neighbourhood plan setting out where it believes non-strategic housing should go and could choose, with district council agreement, to take over some services such as parks, play areas, toilets and allotments.

Following the consultation, the council expect to consider final proposals and make a decision later this year.

Information about the review and how to take part in the consultation are included in a leaflet sent to every household in Bexhill, and is available online.

Responses must be made by Friday, April 3 at 4.30pm. Anyone unable to respond online can write to Rother District Council, Town Hall, Bexhill, TN39 3JX.

Published: 12th March 2020

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