Clarifying facts on elections

At the last parish council elections, held on May 3, 2007, 16 candidates were certified as elected by the returning officer, in an uncontested election. Since that date, five vacancies have occurred as a result of resignations, of which two, including the current vacancy, have been/will be filled by a by-election called by the public.

In the case of the other three vacancies, which were duly advertised in the local press and on notice boards throughout the village, no call from the public for a by-election was received, so the parish council had no option but to use the statutory co-option process.

As a member of the parish council for the past five years, I have to say that I believe all councillors, whether elected or co-opted, have always done their very best to ensure that Rustington retains its vibrant and enviable reputation, for the benefit of its electorate, which I am confident it will continue to do for many years to come.

I am sure that Mr Bennett himself would agree that the parish council is a very progressive council, providing a vast array of services for the local community. As far as sustaining the future of the village is concerned, as a Rustington resident for some 15 years, I have no doubt that the council members, including whoever is successful in the forthcoming by-election, with the support of the council's personnel, will continue to provide the level of commitment and dedication that has always been the ethos of Rustington Parish Council.

Sue Lines

chairman

Rustington

Parish Council

Woodlands Avenue

Rustington

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