Residents ask for marina parish

Residents of a modern waterfront marina development in East Sussex have appealed to have their area recognised as a parish.

Sovereign Harbour Residents Association has handed a petition to Eastbourne Borough Council calling for the creation of a parish council.

The campaign has been backed by the local MP, Nigel Waterson.

The borough council said they will check the petition and the planned area for the proposed new parish.

'Local support'

A council spokesperson said: "Once the validity of the petition is confirmed the council will consider what consultations they will carry out with Sovereign Harbour residents and other interested parties, such as local businesses and resident groups."

The law requires a minimum of 10% of local electors to sign the petition for it to be valid.

Mr Waterson said: "I'm backing the residents on this. Between 60% and 70% have supported the idea in my recent residents survey.

"It is high time the borough council listened to local people on this issue."

If they get a parish council, the residents will be entitled to elect representatives to manage a local budget and deliver community services.