Sandgate Parish Referendum Poll Date Announced

The people of Sandgate will be able to have their say on whether their local council should be a parish or town administration in a poll on 12 June. Sandgate Council's annual meeting on 13 May called for the poll, which will ask people to vote yes or no to the following question:

"Sandgate Council made a decision on 11 March 2008 and changed from a Parish administration to that of a Town administration. Do you want the Council to reverse this decision?"

No polling cards will be issued and voting will be in person only. Voting takes place at Sandgate Library, Sandgate High Street and St George's Church Hall in Audley Road between 4pm and 9pm.

Newly elected Sandgate Councillor Season Prater welcomed the poll, saying:

"It's time that local residents had their say on this issue, so I'm delighted so many people turned up to demand the poll. Whatever the result, the Council must then listen to and honour the decision of local people: it would be scandalous if the poll result was ignored.

"In common with many local people I will be voting for the Council to reverse its decision. I firmly believe we should have a Parish administration, and that we have no need for a Mayor. That was one of the clear messages sent by the voters at my election earlier this month, and I will be out campaigning with others to ask the voters to send the same message again on 12 June."