We’ve interviewed Nigel Jacklin as a candidate in Bexhill, running a group to help independent candidates nationally and for his general political commentary. We speak with Nigel about the group Our Bexhill.
“It’s an apolitical Council and most Councillors just want to do something positive”
Can you introduce yourself you our readers and tells us how you got involved?
I was elected as a Bexhill-on-Sea Town Councillor in May 2023. I represent the St Marks ward on the western edge of Bexhill which includes the Northeye estate. I was nominated by Northeye residents to oppose Home Office plans to house 1,200 male asylum seekers there. These plans were dropped by the new Labour government at the end of 2024. There are 18 Town Councillors. I’ve enjoyed working with most of them. It’s an apolitical Council and most Councillors just want to do something positive.
“The group exists to help independent Councillors get elected to Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council”
Can you tell us about ‘Our Bexhill’, and how the group works?
The group exists to help independent Councillors get elected to Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council. So far we have people interested in standing for 12 seats and we will be looking for more candidates as we move towards next May’s elections. The current members all have previous experience as Town or District Councillors. We expect others to join who will be looking to get elected for the first time; people who want to make a positive difference.
“There are more projects in the pipeline. We are a group of people who get things done”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Bexhill’ that you hope to champion?
Each candidate has their own focus and experience. Projects individuals have championed include a new play park, improved disabled access across town, removing graffiti, redecorating a cricket pavilion, an initiative to improve veterans access to NHS care, providing feedback on planning issues and work with local groups such as Bexhill Heritage, Bexhill Men’s Shed and Bexhill Maritime (a proposal for a new tourist attraction on the seafront). There are more projects in the pipeline. We are a group of people who get things done.
How can people find out more or get involved?
We have a facebook group (Our Bexhill) and will be organising an open meeting in due course. People can contact me direct on Facebook or locally; I am the nominating officer.
