In a town where the prospect of upsets in the upcoming local elections is generally remote, it is the Old Hastings ward where the likelihood looks greatest, following the Greens’ narrow loss to Labour in 2018. Chris Connelley has been out with both parties’ candidates to find out what they have to offer the electorate.
As the vaccination campaign continues to spread protection against Covid-19 over an increasing proportion of the population, the greatest threat to defeating the coronavirus lies in new variants which render current vaccines less effective. Nearly a dozen significant new variants have been identified, the latest being the Indian. Text by Nick Terdre, research and graphics by Russell Hall.
So says Martin Griffiths, the Liberal Democrat candidate for both Ashdown ward and the Ashdown & Conquest division in the forthcoming elections, as he presents his take on the cluster of four developments at the top of Harrow Lane which has caught local attention.
While we in the UK have regular general and local elections, (even allowing for a year’s Covid disruption), Palestinians are now gearing up for their first elections in 15 years. Hastings & Rye Palestine Solidarity Campaign have arranged an online event with three Palestinian speakers for Wednesday 21st to put this rare happening in context, as the group explains.
Hastings Community of Sanctuary, along with other refugee support groups and parties, has reacted angrily to the Home Office’s decision to move asylum-seekers back into Napier Barracks, despite the many criticisms made by an independent inquiry and a legal action which would outlaw the move due to be heard this week. Nick Terdre reports.
Despite the recommendation by planning officers to approve the retrospective application (HS/FA/20/00884) for a large house in the Martineau Lane area, Councillors voted to refuse it (8-1, with one abstention). What now for the building known as ‘Son of Bunker’? What next for local planning? Bernard McGinley reports. (References are to the video timings).
In a surprise move in the run-up to the local elections Cllr Andy Patmore has been chosen to lead the Conservative group on Hastings Borough Council. He promises to challenge the ruling Labour group’s handling of council affairs. Nick Terdre reports.
Secondary elections rarely excite great interest, and this year, as many of us contemplate picking up the pieces after this most extraordinary period, they are as ever at risk of passing unnoticed. But there are reasons to show an interest, Chris Connelley of the Coastal Action polling survey group says.
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