Sandgate Referendum Polling Day this Thursday: Vote YES to give Sandgate's Mayor the Boot

5.40.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jun 2008

Voters in Sandgate go to the polls in a parish poll this Thursday. If voters vote YES, the recent change in status for the Council from Parish to Town will be reversed, and the Mayor will revert to being a Chairman. Polls are open only from 4pm-9pm.

The poll on Thursday will ask for a "yes" or "no" to the following question: "Sandgate Council made a decision on 11th March 2008 and changed from a Parish administration to that of a Town administration.

"Do you want the Council to reverse this decision?"

Newly elected Sandgate Valley Councillor Season Prater is backing a YES vote and said:

"I firmly believe we should have a Parish administration, and that we have no need for a Mayor.

"Having Town status gives us no more powers - except that we have a Mayor. Many places spend thousands on having a Mayor: we don't need that here.

"I was pleased that Sandgate Council passed a motion this week that confirms that the Council will abide immediately with the result of the referendum this Thursday.

"There will be an extraordinary meeting held next Tuesday to ratify the decision.

"It's now up to local residents to have their say this Thursday. Let's give a big YES!"

If you live in Sandgate in any of the following roads you are in Sandgate Valley and vote at St George's Church, Audley Road. Otherwise you are in Sandgate Village ward and vote at the Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street.

Sandgate Valley Ward (voting at St George's Church):

• Brambley Crescent

• Collingwood Rise

• Coolinge Lane

• Digby Road

• Enbrook Valley

• Hythe Close

• Eversley Way

• Ferne Way

• Fremantle Road

• Highland Close

• Redmill Close

• Romney Avenue

• Sandwich Close

• Shorncliffe Road

• Southernwood Rise

• Walmer Way

Call Season Prater on 07956 135845 to arrange a FREE lift to and from voting.

Poll results will be available on-line at www.shepwaylibdems.org.uk as soon as possible after the declaration of the result.