Election for new East Preston parish councillors

A by-election has been set for Thursday, to give residents to chance to replace former chairman Len Barnett, and Alastair Sharp.

Both resigned following the council’s defeat in a parish poll, in September, on whether the proposed redevelopment of the village hall, which they backed, should go ahead.

Retired firefighter Robert Ellis, of Sea Road, is one of the candidates.

He said he’d lived in the village since 1987, and wholly appreciated the village’s lively and friendly atmosphere.

“I wish to keep the parish council at the forefront of the village, and to make sure that it is the servant to the villagers and not its master,” he added.

Peter Vincent, a chartered engineer who lives in Lavinia Way, was involved in the “no” campaign against the village hall project.

He said: “I think the parish council has lost touch with the neighbourhood, and don’t think it is adequate to just stand on 
the sidelines moaning, but not be prepared to do anything about it.”

Second World War veteran Arthur Mellor moved to the area from Northolt just over two years ago, and lives in Fairlands.

“I am interested in democracy, free speech and fair play. Fair play especially has always been a passion of mine,” he said.

Sea Lane resident, and East Preston Cricket Club player, Peter Dallimore works for bank Coutts & Co, and has lived in the village all his life.

“I was born in Sea Lane in 1968,” he said, “and I thought it was time to give something back. As a man with a young family, I think I could inject some young blood into the council.”

Residents must check their polling cards to see at which polling station they are registered to vote.

Voting is from 7am-10pm.