Cllr Jimmy Stanger - St Marks Ward Bexhill

21/10/2026

🐄🇬🇧 Our Local Farmers Need Our Support – Before It's Too Late! 🚜🐑

I'm pleased that Rother District Council has backed the national call for urgent Government action to protect the future of local abattoirs.

But I want to highlight just how serious this situation is becoming, particularly here in the South East.

We face the very real prospect of having no local abattoirs left across Sussex, Kent and Hampshire unless action is taken quickly.

This isn't just about where animals are slaughtered. It's about the survival of our local farmers, particularly smaller, family-run farms that depend on these essential services.

Without accessible local abattoirs, some of these farmers could simply be forced out of business. The additional transport costs, distances and practical difficulties could make their businesses financially unviable.

And once these farms and facilities disappear, bringing them back will be incredibly difficult.

Whatever your personal views on eating meat, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of people in this country still consume it.

I fully respect those who choose not to eat meat, but we must also recognise the importance of animal welfare, responsible farming and knowing where our food comes from.

Personally, I would much rather purchase meat from an animal raised locally, properly cared for throughout its life and slaughtered humanely at a reputable local abattoir, than rely on imported meat where we may have less visibility over the animal's welfare, transportation and treatment.

That doesn't mean all imported meat is produced to poor standards. But I strongly believe that supporting local farming gives us a better opportunity to understand and scrutinise how our food is produced.

🐑 Animal welfare matters.

🚜 Our local farmers matter.

🇬🇧 British food production matters.

💚 Our rural communities and local jobs matter.

More than 150 organisations, businesses and individuals have joined this national call, and I welcome Rother District Council adding its support.

We cannot keep talking about protecting British farming while allowing the essential infrastructure that supports it to disappear.

If we want local food, high animal welfare standards and a future for smaller British farms, we need to protect the services that make all three possible.

Cllr Jimmy Stanger
Vice Chairman, Rother District Council



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DrDo4k5N9/

NEWS: A national call urging the Government to secure the future of local abattoirs is being supported by Rother District Council.

A joint letter – signed by more than 150 organisations, businesses, and individuals from across the food, farming, environmental and animal welfare sectors – has been backed by the authority.

For more information, search online: 'News - Rother District Council'.

21/10/2026

For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry has returned to England.

21/10/2026

🐄🇬🇧 Our Local Farmers Need Our Support – Before It's Too Late! 🚜🐑

I'm pleased that Rother District Council has backed the national call for urgent Government action to protect the future of local abattoirs.

But I want to highlight just how serious this situation is becoming, particularly here in the South East.

We face the very real prospect of having no local abattoirs left across Sussex, Kent and Hampshire unless action is taken quickly.

This isn't just about where animals are slaughtered. It's about the survival of our local farmers, particularly smaller, family-run farms that depend on these essential services.

Without accessible local abattoirs, some of these farmers could simply be forced out of business. The additional transport costs, distances and practical difficulties could make their businesses financially unviable.

And once these farms and facilities disappear, bringing them back will be incredibly difficult.

Whatever your personal views on eating meat, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of people in this country still consume it.

I fully respect those who choose not to eat meat, but we must also recognise the importance of animal welfare, responsible farming and knowing where our food comes from.

Personally, I would much rather purchase meat from an animal raised locally, properly cared for throughout its life and slaughtered humanely at a reputable local abattoir, than rely on imported meat where we may have less visibility over the animal's welfare, transportation and treatment.

That doesn't mean all imported meat is produced to poor standards. But I strongly believe that supporting local farming gives us a better opportunity to understand and scrutinise how our food is produced.

🐑 Animal welfare matters.

🚜 Our local farmers matter.

🇬🇧 British food production matters.

💚 Our rural communities and local jobs matter.

More than 150 organisations, businesses and individuals have joined this national call, and I welcome Rother District Council adding its support.

We cannot keep talking about protecting British farming while allowing the essential infrastructure that supports it to disappear.

If we want local food, high animal welfare standards and a future for smaller British farms, we need to protect the services that make all three possible.

Cllr Jimmy Stanger
Vice Chairman, Rother District Council

NEWS: A national call urging the Government to secure the future of local abattoirs is being supported by Rother District Council.

A joint letter – signed by more than 150 organisations, businesses, and individuals from across the food, farming, environmental and animal welfare sectors – has been backed by the authority.

For more information, search online: 'News - Rother District Council'.

15/10/2026

Five years ago Sir David Amess was murdered. Today we remember and honour a life that he devoted to public service.

In an increasingly divided world, our answer must be unity, not hatred. No one should be targeted or killed for serving their community and doing their job.

We remember Sir David, and we keep his family and friends in our thoughts - always.

15/10/2026

🏆 A very proud and humbling moment! 🏆

Yesterday, I had the unexpected honour of receiving The Lord Award at the Hastings Day 2026 Business Lunch.

The award recognises inspirational, dedicated and committed contributions to the betterment of our community.

To receive this recognition is something I'm genuinely proud of, and I would like to sincerely thank Lord Brett McLean for presenting me with this award.

Anyone who knows me will know how passionate I am about our local communities, supporting others and trying to make a positive difference wherever I can.

Whether through my role as a local councillor, volunteering, supporting local charities or working alongside some truly amazing people and organisations, I've always believed that community is about people coming together and looking out for one another.

I certainly don't do any of it for awards or recognition, but it is lovely to know that the work we do makes a difference.

This award isn't just about me. It's also a reflection of the fantastic people I've had the privilege of working alongside, who give so much of their time and energy to our communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged and worked with me along the way.

Here's to continuing to make a difference, however big or small! ❤️

Happy Hastings Day 2026! 🏆

30/09/2026

🌟 LIVE WELL, AGE WELL – TODAY IN BEXHILL! 🌟

Come along to the De La Warr Pavilion TODAY from 11am until 3pm for the Live Well, Age Well Community Fair.

A fantastic FREE community event, organised by our MP Dr Kieran Mullan, alongside Rother District Council, Rother Voluntary Action and the De La Warr Pavilion.

There will be over 75 local groups, organisations and service providers, with free talks, workshops, activities, demonstrations and plenty of useful advice and information.

It’s aimed at all ages, particularly those over 55, as well as families and carers — helping people stay healthy, active, independent and connected.

📍 De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
📅 TODAY – Wednesday 30th September
⏰ 11am–3pm
🎟️ FREE – no booking required

Pop along and see what’s available in our local community!

Please share and help spread the word. 💙

17/09/2026

🏡 NORTHEYE – HAVE YOUR SAY

Homes England are holding another round of community consultation on the future of the Northeye site in Bexhill.

Following the consultation earlier this year, they have now developed an emerging concept for new homes on the site and want residents to have another opportunity to see the proposals and give their views.

📍 Saturday 26 September – 11:30am–5pm
Northeye Prison Car Park, Wartling Drive
There will also be an opportunity to book a guided tour of the site.

📍 Wednesday 30 September – 11am–4pm
Devonshire Square, Bexhill

Northeye is a significant site for Bexhill and whatever ultimately happens there needs proper consideration of the impact on our town, particularly roads, healthcare, schools and other local infrastructure.

I'd really encourage residents to go along, look at what is being proposed, ask questions and, most importantly, have your say.

I'll continue following the proposals closely as they develop.

Cllr Jimmy Stanger
Rother District Council

Connor Winter - Conservative Councillor for St Marks

17/09/2026

Proud to take part in this event, representing Rother District Council as chairman 👍
Mayor of Seaford

17/09/2026

Glad to support my colleague Cllr Teresa Killeen - Liberal Democrat & Bexhill - Battle Liberal Democrats

Rother councillors are set to discuss government planning reforms.

On September 21, Rother District Council is due to debate a motion, which calls on members to voice formal objections to the National Scheme of Delegation.

The scheme, due to come into force on October 31, introduces new rules on what types of applications can be decided by councillors and those which must be decided by officers alone.

The motion, tabled by cabinet member for planning Teresa Killeen (Lib Dem), calls on the council to endorse the view that “planning decisions should continue to be made by locally elected councillors rather than being increasingly determined by officers under national rules”.

It also calls on councillors to endorse the view that “the Secretary of State is being given excessive power to dictate council constitutions and planning procedures.”

If the motion is agreed, council leader Doug Oliver will be asked to send a letter to Matthew Pennycook, the government minister responsible for planning, setting out these objections.

The new rules will prevent ward councillors from being able to “call-in” planning applications for a debate by a committee, as is currently permitted by the council’s constitution.

The rules also set out what type of applications “must be” determined by officers alone. These include “minor residential developments”, which refer to any proposals for nine or fewer homes on a site smaller than half a hectare.

Most reserved matters applications (schemes which follow on from outline planning applications) would also be decided by officers alone. The exception would be those tied to very large housing developments involving the construction of more than 500 homes.

There will be a few exceptions, such as applications brought forward by the council itself, or those linked to listed building consent applications.

But the government says there should be a “presumption” that decisions should be made by officers in most cases.

✍Original copy by Huw Oxburgh, Local Democracy Reporter

02/07/2026

Following England's fantastic victory last night, I have today urgently contacted our local licensing authorities, relevant government departments, the Home Office, and the Home Secretary regarding the licensing implications of England's next World Cup match, which kicks off at 1am UK time.

I have also spoken to our MPs, Dr Kieran Mullan and Helena Dollimore MP, to raise these concerns directly.

I have already spoken with a large number of pubs, clubs, bars and hospitality venues across Bexhill and Rother. Many have expressed concerns that there was insufficient time to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) following confirmation of England's progression, as applications normally require a minimum notice period.

The hospitality industry is already facing significant challenges, and major national events such as England matches provide an important opportunity for businesses, community venues and sports clubs to generate much-needed income while bringing people together.

This is not just about football; it is about supporting local businesses, community clubs, jobs, and ensuring supporters can come together safely and responsibly to support England.

I have asked for urgent clarification and consideration of what options are available for venues that wish to remain open lawfully for supporters to watch the match.

I will provide a further update as soon as I receive a response.

⚽ Come on England! 🏆