We are a group of Independents, particularly committed to safeguarding the future of Selsey, and the Manhood Peninsula, in West Sussex, by improving its economy and infrastructure. We believe in the uniqueness of our area and the passion of its residents about where they live. Its roots precede Roman times - "Manhood" is thought to be Old English for "common woodland." Development is a concern: people need homes but, without adequate infrastructure and services in place, our residents’ lives will be affected. There are issues with school places, medical services, roads and wastewater treatment.
We believe in the promotion of the Peninsula's ecological health and its community and economic well-being, We want to see it use its wonderful coastline and heritage to contribute towards its economy and help our traders thrive in increasingly difficult times. We must maintain our community spirit and remember why so many of us choose to live here, remembering our young people need a future and our elderly need to be valued, cared for and supported.
We need strong representation
- please help us provide it
We are not "Party political!." We are one of over 300 Localist, Independent groups registered with the Electoral Commission. Being registered gives us certain rights which are not available to individuals. We believe that together we can make a real difference. This is a team effort built on Transparency, Accountability, Engagement, Trust, Teamwork, Stewardship, Respect and Approachability. We adhere to the Bell Principles so do not exercise any whip. Decisions are made transparently, guided by evidence, our experience and our conscience. We listen to and consult regularly with our communities and are entirely non-discriminatory.
We formed our "Localist" group because we have a shared passion for our area and want to help improve it. As a group, we do not get involved in national politics; one of our strengths comes from our membership's embodiment of the full range of national views and allegiances.
We are in the process of updating our site following our landslide on May 4th to include fuller bios on our team, and what Committees, etc they are serving on at West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council and Selsey Town Council... In the meantime: -
In 2019 you gave us a majority on Selsey Town Council, our District's second parish and two of the 36 Members of Chichester District Council. In 2021 you also gave us Selsey's seat on West Sussex County Council.
We have shown the benefits of a local approach: STC stepped in when WSCC withdrew funding to save the mobile recycling collection, and when CDC did so to save front of house services so residents did not have to travel to Chichetser. We have refreshed playgrounds and Selsey now has its Seal Art Trail, which was partly opened by Queen's Brian May.
Local businesses have been supported and received grants and assistance with planning and licensing applications.
Residents have been helped with their individual concerns, including housing issues, environmental noise and dumped rubbish, as well as Council Tax problems and other support.
In 2023, we stood on our record, particularly achieving zero housing allocations for Selsey and the Witterings, and now have four of the 36 Members of Chichester District Council and had thirteen of the 14 Members of Selsey Town Council until the recent, unexpected, passing of Cllr Patrick Rowe.
We now lead the Official Opposition at CDC, having formed the Green and Local Alliance group. This gives us early and extra insight as well as opportunities for greater input which is welcome news for Selsey, Sidlesham and the wider Peninsula. The Peninsula needs this robust representation so we are asking more people to join us.