I am no bird...
We wish to start with an apology to the Witterings, because we felt it best, as we are a small, self-funding group, to only stand candidates in Selsey; however, if anyone reads this from the Witterings, we are keen to recommend Graeme Barrett to you, because he has demonstrated his integrity and local commitment by leaving the Conservatives to stand independently for CDC. Like us, he is focussed on making a difference, and worried about over-development, the A27, sewage and flooding. You will still have two other votes for your District Councillors on May 4 to give to your preferred candidate, but if Graeme and our four candidates are successful, for the first time, most of the Peninsula’s representation will only answer to you, our residents, and not a party machine. Our success in advocating for Selsey and the Witterings housing allocations to be zeroed, proves why this would be so positive, backed by the weight of a majority on Selsey Town Council which, after the City, is our District's largest parish. We changed the political landscape in 2019 and ensured that Selsey wouldn't be ignored again.
These are details of our candidates.
View our area’s election information here.
Please remember that you now need Photo ID to vote in person at your polling station. If you do not have an acceptable form of ID you can get a free Voter ID Certificate from CDC or register for a postal vote (before April 18th.)
It has been an interesting week on the campaign. The team enjoyed meeting you all again as we delivered our leaflet; thank you for your warm reception. Ali, one of our new candidates, enjoyed it too, meeting lots of new people, all positive, and developed a deeper respect for our posties. One even stopped to explain how to get leaflets to go through letterboxes more easily. The other thing that can discourage you from pushing a leaflet all the way through is hearing a dog! A year or so ago, I was delivering one of our newsletters in the winter months just after 6pm, as I walked away from one door the resident let their rather large dog out, obviously assuming I was there for less innocent reasons. Needless to say I exited the property rapidly, closing the gate behind me before the dog reached me.
This Saturday morning we will be in Selsey’s High Street and East Beach shopping areas if you want to say hello.
After receiving different leaflets, residents have been asking how can a candidate be a Conservative and an Independent? The Local Government Association are clear you can't. However, one of Selsey's candidates has said: “We are fighting against your political party the Local Alliance in both the Town Council (as Independents) and District Council as Conservatives.” No wonder people find things confusing. Fortunately, no Local Alliance candidates have membership of any national Party, and as you know, our Members are all independent, free to do as they will, but we all work together. Occasional disagreements don't stop that!
Our About page also has links to our literature. I think it is particularly important that anyone standing for election tells you what they have accomplished (if they have been previously elected) and what they are seeking to achieve (within the limits of the body they are standing for.) I was therefore saddened when I saw one of our opponents questioning which committee seats they would get if they were successful, and not saying anything about what they would actually do. Just as the parents of my students want me to get results, we surely have the right to expect anyone we elect to do the same so I am left confused as to what any of our opponents intend to do for our residents if they are successful? I have had to deal with colleagues who don't always cut it, so I know that platitudes (and recommendations from friends) are not policies.
On environmental issues:
Though there is less news from CDC, WSCC are mid-term. In case you were unaware, recycling centres are now on summer hours. You can learn more here.
Finally WSCC have issued this request, "Calling all West Sussex Repairers! We're looking for repair cafes in West Sussex to join in with the Big Fix next month. The Big Fix was introduced by Recycle Devon in 2019 to counteract throwaway culture, encouraging people to use repair cafes and fix broken household belongings. If you're a repair café in West Sussex and would like to know more, please get in touch via our social media channels. Keep an eye out on our website for more information on The Big Fix."
In other news: -
Cancer and heart disease vaccines may be ready by end of the decade.
You can have a night away at a reasonable rate without travelling too far.
The reason why your Easter eggs tasted better than an ordinary chocolate bar.
As I am a teacher, I try to avoid too many educational updates in case I am being too introspective. However, as many of you are parents, and it has been a while since we last shared this information, an update on our Outstanding Secondaries may prove welcome.
Donna and I regret that the City seems to have increasing numbers of empty shops. An advantage of our being married is we spend time together out and about at the weekends. For some time we have felt the next District Council will need to be more imaginative to ensure higher retail occupancy, and we are not the only ones as you can read here.
Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to a scam that steals access to a WhatsApp user's account. Their website includes information on four simple steps to take to help you stay safe whilst using WhatsApp, which will also stop you getting locked out of your account by a cyber criminal.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud via their website.
Just before we wrap up - if you are lucky enough to actually be registered with an NHS dentist, be aware that charges are going up by 8.5% later this month. Perhaps an appointment, if you can get one, is a good idea!
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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