Stuart Earl to stand for council

The 65 year old businessman who was born in Sidley and lived and worked in Bexhill all his life says he doesn’t want to see the town continue to struggle.

He told the Observer this week: “I just feel that the people of Bexhill are not getting a fair crack of the whip.

“I think as an independent I will be able to question some of the decisions that are being made far better than if I was tied into a political party where I would have to toe the line.

“This is my home town. I am very proud of it. I am very sad to see it slipping downhill. I felt I have got something to offer, but didn’t feel I could offer it with the political party I sat with before.”

Stuart was a Conservative Rother District councillor between 2002-6, and Town Mayor also before he decided he’d had enough.

He was suffering health problems but recovered in time to take back the reins of Earl’s Bakery when the business built up by his family showed signs of falling apart.

He showed energy and determination to spare by rolling up his sleeves and working in the bakery every day from 4am-4pm until the business was back on its feet.

Stuart is also known for his work with Bexhill Hospital League of Friends, and an enthusiastic chairman of Little Common Business Association.

If elected he intends to focus on issues such as the regeneration of Bexhill town centre, and wants to see “value for money” in return for Rother’s funding of the De La Warr Pavilion.

He commented: “I was born and brought up here. So were my parents. i feel very sad to see the twon struggling. It is not any individual’s fault, and it’s a team effort, but we have got to raise spirits and make it interesting to come here again.”