Marina rejects own parish council

Residents of a south coast marina development have rejected a proposal to set up its own parish council.

More than 52% of the 4,850 electorate of Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex cast votes in a referendum-style postal ballot held last month.

Of those, 1,151 were in favour of the parish council, but 1,387 were against.

The ballot was held after Sovereign Harbour Residents Association handed a petition to Eastbourne Borough Council calling for a parish council.

The council said it had a legal duty to consult with residents because the petition was signed by over 10% of the harbour residents.

It said on Tuesday it would now consider the outcome of the ballot, along with letters and comments received from local organisations before making a final decision.

If it had a parish council, harbour residents would be entitled to elect representatives to manage a local budget and deliver community services.