Little Common councillor stands down

A representative of Little Common-based St Mark's Ward, he is the second member in weeks to announce his resignation.

Former Labour group leader Andrew Fleming also resigned for personal reasons.

Mr Sivyer says the sole reason he has left is because he is travelling to London to study fine art under a course organised by auctioneers Sothebys.

He told the Observer: "It has been my privilege to serve on Rother District Council for nine years. During this time I have enjoyed the friendship, help, and support of many people irrespective of their political affiliations, and I should like to thank them for this.

"Due to my daily commitments in London, which mean I am no longer able to attend meetings of Rother District Council, as in the past I have endeavoured to do, I have decided to resign as a councillor.

"Local government has been an interesting experience, and to have worked with council officers who care a great deal about the district has been a pleasure."

Local electors go to the polls in May to elect a new, slimmed-down district council based on new ward boundaries with two-member wards.