Polls open for East Brighton by-election (From The Argus)

Polls open for East Brighton by-election

8:42am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Ben James

Voters will go to the polls today to decide the East Brighton by-election.

The seat is up for grabs following the resignation of Labour councillor Craig Turton, who left the council due to ongoing health problems.

Six candidates will battle it out for the seat – which in recent years has been a strong Labour ward.

Professional copywriter Sabiha Choudhury will represent UKIP while criminologist Carlie Nicole Goldsmith is up for the Green Party.

Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts have put forward Jon Redford while the Liberal Democrats have opted for Sussex University student Dominic Felix Sokalski.

Chaun Wilson will represent Labour and 18-year-old Joe Miller is the surprise pick for the Conservatives.

The area, which takes in Whitehawk as well as the far eastern side of Kemp Town, has plenty of political issues at the forefront of residents’ minds.

Lynn Bennett, from the Manor South Residents Association, in Whitehawk, said that the area’s main problem is unemployment and the cuts to services.

She added: “Public transport is also a huge issue because there aren’t many who have cars around here.

“We fought hard to save two bus routes and we would like to keep them.

The community stalwart added that parking was another issue which needed to be addressed.

She added: “I have visitors and they can’t afford to park here so end up getting the train. I think that needs to be looked at.

“We also get a lot of cars belonging to the staff at the hospital.

“I know some of the hours those boys and girls have to work so it isn’t always possible for them to catch public transport. They need to have somewhere to park.”

Youth focus

Meanwhile, Darren Snow from Whitehawk Crew Club, said that whoever won the seat would have to spend more time on the area’s youth.

He said: “We need to make sure that youngsters in the area feel included in the community and not just as though they are tagging along.

“Schools should be judged on how their lowest achievers do rather than their highest, that way they would be encouraged to develop those who need the most help.

“If youngsters are helped at an early age then it will avoid all kind of problems when they get older.”

The winner will join current ward councillors Gill Mitchell, the Labour group leader, and Warren Morgan, Labour deputy leader.

Voting will commence at 7am and run until 10pm with the result announced at Town Hall at around midnight.

Keep an eye on The Argus website for updates.

Polling stations

Valley Social Centre, Whitehawk Way
Whitehawk Inn, Whitehawk Road
The Manor Gym & Sports Centre, Manor Road
T.S.Nautilus, 39A Chesham Road
St. George`s Church, St. George`s Road
Craven Vale Resource Centre, Craven Road
Bristol Estate Community Centre

See the latest news headlines from The Argus:

• Author Peter James 'lucky to be alive' following 70mph racing crash
• Hove murder: wanted man phones The Argus
• Shoreham Rugby Club holding charity barbecue and fun day
• Police investigate spate of car crime across Sussex
• Sussex Police get Chinese book of sayings as thank you gift

More news from The Argus

Follow @brightonargus

Like us on Facebook

 Add us to your circles on Google+