AROUND 50 residents gathered in Hailsham this evening (Monday, 13th April) for a pre-election hustings ahead of the East Sussex County Council elections, where candidates set out their priorities and clashed over key local issues including funding, healthcare and policing.
Representatives from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and an independent candidate took part, with discussion covering everything from SEND provision to potholes, crime and the future of the town centre.
It was organised by the Hailsham Chamber of Commerce and chaired by President Sam Beale.
Clash over future of medical centre
One of the most heated exchanges of the evening centred on plans for a new medical facility in the town.
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Gavin Blake-Coggins, who is standing for Hailsham New Town, said a brand new comprehensive medical centre was progressing, with a planning application expected in the coming financial year on a 5.5-acre site near the town centre.
However, Neil Cleaver, representing Reform UK, standing for Hailsham Market ward, challenged that claim, saying proposals were misleading and would instead replace existing GP surgeries rather than expand provision.
Paul Soane, a Reform UK candidate standing for election in Hailsham New Town, also cast doubt on the scheme, telling the audience: “We aren’t getting a medical centre — there’s no money for it.”
The disagreement highlighted wider concerns about healthcare provision in Hailsham, with several candidates, including Trevor Botting (Conservative Party) and Barry Carpenter (Independent), calling for improved services, including a walk-in or outpatient facility.
Funding pressures dominate debate
Questions around spending and borrowing at East Sussex County Council dominated much of the evening.
Candidates were asked how they would prioritise funding amid tight budgets, with Mr Botting highlighting the need for investment in the A22 and better local medical services, while acknowledging it was difficult to identify savings without seeing the full budget.
Mr Cleaver focused on roads, suggesting contractors such as Balfour Beatty should be held to account with guarantees on pothole repairs.
Mr Carpenter, standing in Haisham New Town, argued that the council must ‘trim the fat’, criticising waste and repeated contractor work, while Mr Soane warned the authority was ‘in a mess’ and facing a monumental task to recover financially.
East Sussex County Councillor, Steve Murphy, who is standing in Hailsham Market, defended the current approach to council finances, warning that borrowing was necessary to maintain services.
He said East Sussex County Council was already under significant financial pressure, adding that without borrowing the authority could face serious consequences. He also pushed back against calls for tax cuts, arguing that difficult decisions had to be made to protect essential services.
SEND and social care concerns
The rising cost of SEND provision also featured heavily.
Mr Botting said demand had increased by 140 per cent, with £186 million already being spent, warning that ‘the maths doesn’t add up’ if costs continue to rise.
Mr Blake-Coggins said SEND would be a day one priority for his party, while Mr Carpenter drew on his 19 years of experience working with SEND children, stressing the importance of early intervention and better support for staff.
Mr Cleaver said additional funding could only come from cuts elsewhere, while Mr Soane argued the system itself needed to be reconsidered.
Crime, policing and community safety
Concerns about crime and the visibility of police also prompted debate.
Ex-police officer, Trevor Botting, said there had been a reduction in shoplifting but warned anti-social behaviour remained a problem, adding: “I want people to feel safe walking through town at night.”
Mr Murphy disagreed with the premise that police were not visible, saying there had been an increase in officers and PCSOs, although he acknowledged the force was overstretched.
Mr Cleaver said he had recently met with Sussex Police and highlighted budget pressures, while Mr Soane pointed to statistics suggesting Hailsham remains one of the safer areas in the county.
Mr Carpenter called for greater collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioner and more resources to tackle anti-social behaviour.
High street and business concerns
The future of Hailsham’s town centre and business community was another key theme.
There was broad agreement on the importance of free parking, with both Mr Botting and Mr Cleaver warning that introducing charges could damage footfall and harm local businesses.
Mr Murphy said online shopping was a major factor behind declining high streets, while Mr Soane suggested a levy on companies such as Amazon to fund business rate relief.
Mr Carpenter pointed to long-term decline and the difficulty of attracting larger retailers, while candidates also responded to a business owner who challenged them on engagement with firms at Diplocks Industrial Estate.
Several candidates, including Mr Murphy and Mr Soane, said they regularly used businesses there, while Mr Blake-Coggins acknowledged it was not a destination area beyond specific services.
On the future of the high street, Mr Murphy argued that changing shopping habits were a major factor in the challenges facing town centres. He said online retail was having a significant impact across the UK and expressed frustration at what he described as a contradiction between residents shopping online and then criticising the decline of local shops.
Audience challenges and candidate absence
Audience members also raised concerns about poor parking enforcement, with complaints about vehicles blocking pavements and taxi ranks.
Candidates offered a range of responses, from calls for stronger enforcement to suggestions of working groups and future traffic wardens under a potential unitary authority.
There were also questions about the absence of Green Party candidates from the event.
Mr Botting said those standing for public office should be willing to face voters, while Mr Blake-Coggins added: “If you put your name down, you need to turn up and do it.”
Final messages to voters
In closing remarks, candidates set out their pitch to voters.
Mr Murphy highlighted his long record of service in the town, including securing funding for the youth centre, while Mr Soane warned of the scale of financial challenges facing the council.
Mr Carpenter emphasised his independence, saying: “If you vote for me, you win.”
Mr Blake-Coggins focused on experience and expanding services, while Mr Botting said he would bring a fresh perspective and be visible in the community.
The candidates for elections on May 7th
Hailsham New Town
A total of five candidates are standing in Hailsham New Town, making it one of the most competitive contests locally.
Those standing are:
- Gavin Blake-Coggins (Liberal Democrats)
- Trevor Botting (Conservative Party)
- Barry Carpenter (Independent)
- Paul Soane (Reform UK)
- Simon Wells (Green Party)
Hailsham Market
Four candidates are contesting the Hailsham Market division:
- Jordan Beech (Conservative Party)
- Neil Cleaver (Reform UK)
- Steve Murphy (Liberal Democrats)
- Ali Stevens (Green Party)
Arlington, East Hoathly & Hellingly
The neighbouring rural division of Arlington, East Hoathly & Hellingly will also see a five-way contest.
Candidates standing are:
- Nick Bennett (Conservative Party)
- William Boone (Reform UK)
- Ricardo Canha (Green Party)
- Brendan Clegg (Labour Party)
- Laura Murphy (Liberal Democrats)
