The local Green Party's stance against economic growth in East Sussex has horrified the Conservative candidate in next week's county by-election for Heahtfield, Mayfield and Five Ashes.
During an address to the chamber, as East Sussex County Council debated the Cabinet Report this week, Green co-leader, Councillor Georgia Taylor, said: “One of the current council administration’s objectives is economic growth, and we [The Green Party] do not think this is a useful objective.”
"I am horrified that the Greens appear to be so anti-economic growth, which can only entrench local rural deprivation. Conservatives stand for opportunity, aspiration, and prosperity. If elected, I pledge to fight for the investment we need to support our communities and businesses in Heathfield, Five Ashes, and Mayfield,” said Neil Waller
At County Hall, Conservative Cllr Carl Maynard assured the meeting that: "Economic growth will remain at the heart of East Sussex priorities". He roundly dismissed a call from a Green Party member to abandon it, saying such a move would be “one of the most foolish things anyone could suggest”.
Cllr Maynard, the Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health, went on to say that it was “absolutely vital in this county, where we have significant areas of deprivation (not just within specific towns but also in the travel-to-work areas), that we make sure that people have quality jobs, we make sure that they have access to good education, and driving economic growth is absolutely fundamental to making sure that the residents of East Sussex have good health, good opportunities, and enjoy a good life
“To take economic growth out, as one of the aspirations of this authority, would be one of the most foolish things that anybody could suggest ...and it will continue to form a key part of what we do in this county; working with partners to make sure, especially in those areas where there is significant deprivation, that economic growth is an absolute byword for this authority."
