6 October 2008
The Council is to consult residents living at Sovereign Harbour to find out if they want a Parish Council of their own.
A referendum style ballot is to be held during October. Ballot papers are due to be sent out by post on 6 October and should reach all local electors living at the Harbour by the end of the week. Voters will be able to say Yes or No to the question “Do you support the proposal to set up a Sovereign Harbour Parish Council?”
To vote in the referendum residents will need to have their names included on the electoral roll. Ballot papers must be sent back by the end of the month. The Council has asked Electoral Reform Services (ERS), an accredited, professional polling organisation, to carry out the ballot on their behalf.
Earlier this year the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association presented a petition to the Council calling for the creation of a Parish Council. The Council is under a legal duty to carry out what is known as a ‘community governance review’ and consult with local residents. This is because the petition was signed by over 10% of local electors at the Harbour. The referendum ballot will form a key part of the consultation. Other people who will be consulted will include local business, community groups and East Sussex County Council.
Resident’s views are of central importance when considering this proposal and the ballot result will be an important factor in helping Eastbourne Borough Council decide whether or not to set up a Parish Council for the Harbour. If the proposal is agreed, Sovereign Harbour will be the only part of the Borough to have a Parish Council of its own.
The proposed area for the Parish Council includes all homes accessed via Atlantic Drive and Pacific Drive and includes the Waterfront area. It does not include the retail park and adjoining residential areas such as Langney Point, Kingsmere and Kings Park. The area can also be defined as that covered by post codes BN23 5**. There are about 3,500 homes in the area and an estimated population of between 6,800 and 7,300.
